Display device

Abstract

The housing unit (2) of the display device (1) comprises a first shaft (18) for rotatably connecting the end of the first housing (11) to the hinge member (13), a second shaft (19) for rotatably connecting the end of the second housing (12) to the hinge member (13), and a third shaft (20) for rotatably connecting the first ends of the first and second cover retaining members (53, 54) to the hinge member (13), and the second ends of the first and second cover retaining members (53, 54) are slidably connected to the first and second housings (11, 12), respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device including a foldable housing unit and a display panel having flexibility. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a foldable display device has been proposed in which the curvature of the display panel when folded is ensured by making the display panel of the foldable portion not fixed and providing a space portion into which the display panel of the foldable portion bends when folded.

[0003] As an example of such a display device, Patent Document 1 discloses a display device having a housing unit, wherein the housing unit has first and second receiving portions rotatably connected to first and second supporting members via hinges, first and second rotating rods for moving the first and second receiving portions, and a movable supporting member for rotatably supporting the first and second rotating rods. When the display device is unfolded, the display panel is supported by the movable supporting member, the first and second receiving portions, and the first and second supporting members. On the other hand, when the display device is folded, the movable supporting member, the first and second receiving portions, and the first and second rotating rods are used to form a space portion for receiving the folded portion of the display panel.

[0004] In addition, patent document 2 discloses a display device having a shell unit, wherein the shell unit has a first shell composed of a plurality of plate-shaped shells connected by a plurality of hinge portions and forming a space for accommodating a folded portion of a display panel when folded, a plate-shaped second shell and a third shell connected at both ends of the first shell in a manner that allows them to be bent in opposite directions, and a sliding retaining member that fixes the second shell and the third shell and supports the folded portion of the display panel when unfolded.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0378397 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-015618 Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, in the display device described in Patent Document 1, in order to support the display panel by using the movable supporting member, the first and second receiving parts and the first and second supporting members when unfolded, the first and second receiving parts move through the first and second rotating rods, but since the first and second receiving parts rotate only around the hinge, a gap (step) is generated between the first and second receiving parts and the movable supporting member. Since the bendable display panel is soft, the portion that presses the gap is sunken, and the touch panel cannot be used in this portion.

[0010] In the display device described in Patent Document 2, a sliding retaining member is used to prevent the display panel from being recessed. However, if the sliding retaining member is to be slid in conjunction with the opening and closing action, the mechanism becomes complicated. In addition, when unfolded, the first shell connected by multiple hinge parts becomes a protruding shape.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a display device in which a display surface of a display region of a display panel is covered by a cover member when the display device is unfolded.

[0012] Solutions to the problem

[0013] A display device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a foldable housing unit and a flexible display panel, wherein the display panel has a first display area and a second display area adjacent to the first display area, and the housing unit comprises: a hinge member; a first housing and a second housing connected to each other via the hinge member; a first cover holding member and a second cover holding member connected to each other and to the hinge member; a first cover member held by the first cover holding member and covering a display surface of the first display area of ​​the display panel; a second cover member held by the second cover holding member and covering a display surface of the second display area of ​​the display panel; a first fulcrum connected by the hinge member and the second cover holding member The hinge member is connected to the end of the first shell in a manner that the first shell is relatively rotatable; a second fulcrum is used to connect the hinge member and the end of the second shell in a manner that the hinge member and the second shell are relatively rotatable; and a third fulcrum is used to connect the hinge member, the first end of the first cover holding member and the first end of the second cover holding member in a manner that the hinge member, the first cover holding member and the second cover holding member are relatively rotatable, the second end of the first cover holding member on the opposite side to the first end can be slidably connected to the first shell, and the second end of the second cover holding member on the opposite side to the first end can be slidably connected to the second shell.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the display device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a display device in which the display surface of the display region of the display panel is covered by the cover member when the display panel is unfolded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a display device according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 It is shown from Figure 1 The illustrated schematic plan view shows a state in which the housing unit is detached from the cover glass and the cover holding member.

[0018] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A top view showing the schematic structure of the display device shown.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The display device is shown in a cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0020] Figure 5 (a) is Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the display device as viewed along the line BB' shown in FIG. Figure 5 (b) is an enlarged view showing Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a main portion of the portion enclosed by a dotted frame in (a).

[0021] Figure 6 It is enlarged to show Figure 4 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of portion C shown by being surrounded by a dotted frame.

[0022] Figure 7 It is enlarged to show Figure 4 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a portion D shown by being surrounded by a dotted frame.

[0023] Figure 8 It is enlarged to show Figure 4 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the portion E shown by being surrounded by a dotted frame.

[0024] Fig. 9 (a) is an enlarged exploded view of the main parts for illustrating the relationship between the hinge member and the first cover holding member, the second cover holding member, the first shell and the second shell, Fig. 9 (b) is an enlarged view of a main part for seeing through the housing to show the relationship of the hinge member, the cover holding member, and the cover glass with respect to the display panel.

[0025] Fig.10 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a schematic configuration of a display panel according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Fig.11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing operation of the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Fig.12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing operation of the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Fig.13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing operation of the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Fig.14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing operation of the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Fig.15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing operation of the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Fig.16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the position of the rotation axis of the shaft body in the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Fig.17 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the position of the rotation axis of the shaft body in the display device according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Fig.18 (a) is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a display device according to the third embodiment. Fig.18 (b) is Fig.18 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the housing unit 2 as viewed along the line BB'.

[0034] Fig.19 (a) is an enlarged view Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of a main part of the portion F shown by the dotted line frame in (a), Fig.19 (b) is an enlarged view showing Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of a main portion of portion G shown by being surrounded by a dotted frame in (b).

[0035] Fig. 20 (a) is a plan view showing a schematic structure of a housing unit according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 20 (b) shows that Fig. 20 (a) is a three-dimensional view of the housing unit with the second adhesive plate removed.

[0036] Fig.21 (a) is Fig. 20 The BB' line cross-sectional view of the shell unit shown in (a) is shown in FIG. Fig.21 (b) is Fig. 20 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the shell unit as viewed along the line CC'.

[0037] Fig. 22 This is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing the relationship between the length of the display panel and the length of the plane passing through the first supporting point and the second supporting point and parallel to the first casing and the second casing according to the second embodiment when the casing unit is unfolded 180 degrees.

[0038] Fig.23 (a) is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing the relationship between the length of the bonding surface of the display panel and the length of the surface passing through the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum and parallel to the first shell and the second shell when the shell unit involved in the fourth embodiment starts to be bent, Fig.23 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the relationship between the length of the display panel and the length of the surface parallel to the first shell and the second shell passing through the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum when the shell unit starts to be bent when the first adhesive plate 16 and the second adhesive plate 17 are respectively fixed to the corresponding first shell 11 and the second shell 12.

[0039] Fig.24 This is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing the relationship between the length of the display panel when the casing unit in the display device according to the fourth embodiment starts to be bent and the length of the plane passing through the first supporting point and the second supporting point and parallel to the first casing and the second casing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In the following, the embodiments of the present invention are described in detail. In addition, in the following embodiments, components having the same functions as the components described above are marked with the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0041] [First embodiment]

[0042] Figure 1 It is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a display device 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 It is a schematic plan view showing a state where the first cover glass 51 (first cover member), the second cover glass 52 (second cover member), the first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54 are removed from the housing unit 2 according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 It is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a display device 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The housing unit 2 is shown in a cross-sectional view taken along line AA'. Figure 5 (a) is Figure 3 The BB' line cross-sectional view of the housing unit 2 is shown. Figure 5 (b) is an enlarged view showing Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a main part of the portion enclosed by a dotted frame in (a). Figure 6It is enlarged to show Figure 4 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of portion C shown by being surrounded by a dotted frame. Figure 7 It is enlarged to show Figure 4 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a portion D shown by being surrounded by a dotted frame. Figure 8 It is enlarged to show Figure 4 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the portion E shown by being surrounded by a dotted frame. Fig. 9 (a) is an enlarged exploded view of the main parts for illustrating the relationship between the hinge member 13 and the first cover holding member 53, the second cover holding member 54, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, Fig. 9 (b) is an enlarged view of the main parts for seeing through the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 to show the relationship of the hinge member 13, the first cover holding member 53, the second cover holding member 54, the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 relative to the display panel 3.

[0043] Fig. 9 In (b), the outlines of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are indicated by a dashed line, and the outline of the hinge member 13 is indicated by a solid line. In addition, the portion of the outline of the display panel 3, the first cover holding member 53, and the second cover holding member 54 that does not overlap with the hinge member 13 is indicated by a solid line, and the portion that overlaps with the hinge member 13 and is hidden is indicated by a thick dashed line. In addition, the outlines of the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are indicated by a thin dashed line.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, a display device 1 according to the present embodiment is a foldable display device including a foldable housing unit 2 and a flexible display panel 3 .

[0045] The display device 1 can select an arbitrary state between a folded state (ie, a closed state) in which the display device 1 is folded and an unfolded state (ie, an open state) in which the display device 1 is not folded, by an opening and closing operation.

[0046] In addition, unless otherwise specified below, the so-called opened state (unfolded state) of the display device 1 (or the housing unit 2 described later) means the state in which the display device 1 (or the housing unit 2 described later) is unfolded 180°, that is, the so-called fully flat state.

[0047] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Fig. 9As shown, the housing unit 2 includes a first housing 11, a second housing 12, a hinge member 13, a first pasting plate 16, a second pasting plate 17, a first shaft 18 (first fulcrum), a second shaft 19 (second fulcrum), a third shaft 20 (third fulcrum), a first cover glass 51, a second cover glass 52, a first cover holding member 53, and a second cover holding member 54. Figure 5 As shown, the display panel 3 is disposed between (i) the first casing 11 and the second casing 12 and (ii) the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 .

[0048] Hereinafter, the display device 1 and the housing unit 2 will be described with the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 as the upper surface side and the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 as the lower surface side (or the back side).

[0049] (First shell and second shell)

[0050] The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are box-shaped containers having a frame shape with back panels 11e and 12e and having an opening on the upper surface. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are each formed of a high-rigidity material conventionally used as a housing of a display device.

[0051] The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are arranged to face each other so that one end surfaces (outer surfaces of one side wall) of each other are adjacent to each other in a state where the housing unit 2 is deployed.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are respectively rectangular. Figure 2 as well as Figure 7 As shown, when the shell unit 2 is unfolded, the outer surface of one side wall 11b of the two side walls 11a, 11b parallel to the short side direction in the first shell 11 and the outer surface of one side wall 12b of the two side walls 12a, 12b parallel to the short side direction in the second shell 12 are arranged relative to each other in an adjacent manner.

[0053] The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 have the same size in a plan view. Although not shown in the figure, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are formed so as to completely overlap in a plan view when the display device 1 is folded.

[0054] (First cover glass and second cover glass)

[0055] The first cover glass 51 (first cover member) and the second cover glass 52 (second cover member) have rigidity for protecting the display panel 3 from being pressed by a touch operation performed by a user and transparency for enabling the user to see an image displayed in the display area of ​​the display panel 3 through the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52. The first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are not limited to glass, and may be formed of a material having rigidity and transparency, such as a transparent resin including polycarbonate. In the case where the first cover glass 51 is formed of resin, the first cover glass 51 may also be formed integrally with the first cover holding member 53. Similarly, in the case where the second cover glass 52 is formed of resin, the second cover glass 52 may also be formed integrally with the second cover holding member 54.

[0056] The first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are arranged to face each other so that one end surfaces (outer surfaces of one side wall) of each other are adjacent to each other in a state where the housing unit 2 is unfolded.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are both rectangular in shape and have a lower surface (first main surface) opposite to the display panel 3, an upper surface (second main surface) opposite to the lower surface, and side surfaces perpendicular to the lower surface and the upper surface. Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in (b), when the shell unit 2 is unfolded, the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are arranged relative to each other, so that one side 51a of the two side surfaces 51a, 51b parallel to the short side direction of the first cover glass 51 is adjacent to one side 52a of the two side surfaces 52a, 52b parallel to the short side direction of the second cover glass 52.

[0058] The first cover glass 51 corresponds to the first shell 11 and is smaller than the first shell 11 when viewed from above. In addition, the first cover glass 51 covers the display surface of the display area (first display area) corresponding to the first shell 11 of the display panel 3. The second cover glass 52 corresponds to the second shell 12 and is smaller than the second shell 12 when viewed from above. In addition, the second cover glass 52 covers the display surface of the display area (second display area) corresponding to the second shell 12 of the display panel 3. The first display area and the second display area of ​​the display panel 3 are adjacent to each other.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 have the same size when viewed from above. Although not shown in the figure, the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are formed so as to completely overlap when viewed from above when the display device 1 is folded. In addition, the short side direction of the first cover glass 51 is parallel to the short side direction of the first shell 11, and the long side direction of the first cover glass 51 is approximately parallel to the long side direction of the first shell 11. In addition, the short side direction of the second cover glass 52 is parallel to the short side direction of the second shell 12, and the long side direction of the second cover glass 52 is approximately parallel to the long side direction of the second shell 12.

[0060] (First Cover Holding Member and Second Cover Holding Member)

[0061] The first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54 are frames respectively formed to hold the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52. The first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54 are respectively formed of a highly rigid material conventionally used as a cover holding member of a display device.

[0062] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the first cover holding member 53 is composed of two linear frame portions 53a and 53b respectively mounted on the side parallel to the long side direction of the first cover glass 51. Similarly, the second cover holding member 54 is composed of two linear frame portions 54a and 54b respectively mounted on the side parallel to the long side direction of the second cover glass 52.

[0063] like Fig. 9As shown, the first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54 are configured such that the upper surface of the frame of the first cover holding member 53 is completely or substantially flush with the upper surface of the first cover glass 51, and the upper surface of the frame of the second cover holding member 54 is completely or substantially flush with the upper surface of the second cover glass 52. As a result, no step is generated between the first cover holding member 53 and the upper surface of the first cover glass 51, and between the second cover holding member 54 and the upper surface of the second cover glass 52, so that the appearance of the display surface side of the display device 1 can be made flat. In addition, it is preferable that the first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54 are configured such that the lower surface of the frame of the first cover holding member 53 is completely or substantially flush with the lower surface of the first cover glass 51, and the lower surface of the frame of the second cover holding member 54 is completely or substantially flush with the lower surface of the second cover glass 52. The display area of ​​the display panel 3 is arranged on the back side of the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 so that the user can see the image displayed in the display area, and the frame area surrounding the display area of ​​the display panel 3 is arranged on the back side of the first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54 so that the frame area is hidden from the user. Therefore, no step is generated between the first cover holding member 53 and the lower surface of the first cover glass 51, and between the second cover holding member 54 and the lower surface of the second cover glass 52. Therefore, in the state where the display device 1 is unfolded 180°, the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 can abut against the display area of ​​the display panel 3, and the first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54 can abut against the frame area of ​​the display panel 3. As a result, in the state where the display device 1 is unfolded 180°, the display panel 3 is suppressed to be flat, so that the user can easily see the image displayed in the display area of ​​the display panel 3.

[0064] The first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54 are connected to the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 so as to be slidable in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 .

[0065] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, in each of the two frame portions 53a, 53b of the first cover holding member 53, a protrusion 53e (first protrusion) is provided at the end (second end) on the side away from the second cover holding member 54 (i.e., from the hinge member 13) when the housing unit 2 is unfolded, and the protrusion 53e protrudes toward the side walls 11c, 11d parallel to the long side direction of the first housing 11. On the inner surface of the side walls 11c, 11d in the long side direction of the first housing 11, a long hole 11g (first long hole) is provided on the side away from the second housing 12 (i.e., away from the hinge member 13) when the housing unit 2 is unfolded, corresponding to the protrusion 53e.

[0066] The protrusions 53e are respectively slidably engaged with the long holes 11g. The long holes 11g are respectively extended in a direction parallel to the long side of the first housing 11. The long holes 11g can be either through holes or non-through holes (i.e., grooves), but non-through holes are preferred from the perspective of preventing dust from entering the interior of the first housing 11. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a long hole may be provided on the first cover holding member 53, and a protrusion that can slidably engage with the long hole may be provided on the first housing 11.

[0067] Likewise, if Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, in each of the two frame portions 54a, 54b of the second cover holding member 54, a protrusion 54e (second protrusion) is provided at the end (second end) on the side away from the first cover holding member 53 (i.e., from the hinge member 13) in the state where the housing unit 2 is unfolded, and the protrusion 54e protrudes toward the side walls 12c, 12d parallel to the long side direction of the second housing 12. On the inner surface of the side walls 12c, 12d in the long side direction of the second housing 12, a long hole 12g (second long hole) is provided on the side away from the first housing 11 (i.e., away from the hinge member 13) in the state where the housing unit 2 is unfolded, corresponding to the protrusion 54e.

[0068] The protrusions 54e are respectively slidably engaged with the long holes 12g. The long holes 12g are respectively extended in parallel with the long side direction of the second housing 12. The long holes 12g can be either through holes or non-through holes (i.e., grooves), but non-through holes are preferred from the perspective of preventing dust from entering the interior of the second housing 12. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a long hole may be provided on the second cover holding member 54, and a protrusion that can slidably engage with the long hole may be provided on the second housing 12.

[0069] (Hinge member)

[0070] The hinge member 13 involved in this embodiment is a multi-axis hinge. The hinge member 13 is formed into an elongated strip (having a thin and long strip shape in one direction) and is installed on the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 in a manner that spans the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 along the above-mentioned one end surface of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 (in other words, along the extension direction of the above-mentioned side walls 11b, 12b).

[0071] like Figure 2As shown, the hinge member 13 is installed in the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, so that among the two end surfaces parallel to the short side direction of the hinge member 13 which serve as the mounting surfaces mounted to the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, one end surface spans over the side walls 11c, 12c adjacent to each other in the long side direction in the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 and abuts against the inner surfaces of these side walls 11c, 12c, and the other end surface spans over the side walls 11d, 12d adjacent to each other in the long side direction in the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 and abuts against the inner surfaces of these side walls 11d, 12d, and these side walls 11d, 12d are opposite to the above-mentioned side walls 11c, 12c.

[0072] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, when the shell unit 2 is unfolded, the hinge member 13 is installed on the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 in such a manner that its back side spans across the side walls 11b, 12b adjacent to each other in the short side direction of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 and abuts against the upper surfaces of these side walls 11b, 12b.

[0073] Specifically, if Figure 2 As shown, the hinge member 13 has: a first mounting portion 131 and a second mounting portion 132, which have the above-mentioned mounting surface; and a long strip-shaped (long strip-shaped in one direction) connecting portion 133, which is connected to the first mounting portion 131 and the second mounting portion 132. The first mounting portion 131 spans across one side ( Figure 2 , Figure 3 The second mounting portion 132 extends across the other side ( Figure 2 , Figure 3 The connecting portion 133 is connected to the side walls 11d, 12d (second side portion) on the right side of the housing unit 2 and abuts against the inner surfaces of these side walls 11d, 12d. When the housing unit 2 is unfolded, the lower surface of the connecting portion 133 spans over the side walls 11b, 12b and abuts against the upper surfaces of these side walls 11b, 12b. When the housing unit 2 is folded, the lower surface of the connecting portion 133 spans over the side walls 11b, 12b and abuts against the inner surfaces of these side walls 11b, 12b. When the housing unit 2 is folded, the upper surface of the connecting portion 133 abuts against the display panel 3. This abutment stabilizes the folded display panel 3. In addition, the upper surface of the connecting portion 133 is a plane.

[0074] Furthermore, the hinge member 13 is also attached to the first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54 .

[0075] Specifically, for example, Figure 3As shown, the first mounting portion 131 abuts against the outer surface of the first cover holding member 53 , and the first cover holding member 53 abuts against the outer surface of the second cover holding member 54 .

[0076] (Shaft body and shaft hole)

[0077] like Figure 7 As shown, the first shaft body 18 , the third shaft body 20 , and the second shaft body 19 according to the present embodiment are sequentially provided along the short side direction of the hinge member 13 .

[0078] like Fig. 9 As shown, the first shaft body 18 and the second shaft body 19 are formed integrally with the hinge member 13, and the third shaft body 20 is formed integrally with the second cover holding member 54. Therefore, in the hinge member 13, along the short side direction thereof, the first shaft body 18, the shaft hole 13c for inserting the third shaft body 20, and the second shaft body 19 are sequentially arranged from one side of the first housing 11 to the second housing 12 side.

[0079] The first shaft 18 is a first hinge shaft, and connects the hinge member 13 and one end of the first housing 11 in a manner that the hinge member 13 and the first housing 11 can rotate relative to each other. Fig. 9 As shown in (a), the first shaft body 18 formed integrally with the hinge member 13 is rotatably inserted into the shaft hole 11f, and the shaft hole 11f is provided at each end of the first shell 11 opposite to the hinge member 13 in the long side direction of the hinge member 13 (specifically, each end of the side walls 11c, 11d of the first shell 11 parallel to the long side direction and close to the second shell 12). Thus, the first shaft body 18 connects the hinge member 13 and the end of the side wall 11b of the first shell 11 in a manner that the hinge member 13 and the first shell can rotate freely relative to each other. Therefore, the first shaft body 18 functions as a first fulcrum that connects the hinge member 13 and the first shell 11 so that they can rotate freely relative to each other. In addition, as Fig. 9 As shown in (b), when viewed from the axial direction of the first shaft body 18, the rotation axis P1 of the first shaft body 18 (the rotation axis of the first fulcrum) is arranged on the first housing 11 side relative to the display panel 3. Here, the first housing 11 side particularly refers to the back panel 11e side of the first housing 11 (the so-called "back side").

[0080] The second shaft 19 is a second hinge shaft, and connects the hinge member 13 and one end of the second housing 12 in a manner that the hinge member 13 and the second housing 12 can rotate relative to each other. Fig. 9As shown in (a), the second shaft body 19 formed integrally with the hinge member 13 is rotatably inserted into the shaft hole 12f, and the shaft hole 12f is provided at the end of the second shell 12 opposite to the hinge member 13 in the long side direction of the hinge member 13 (specifically, the ends of the side walls 12c and 12d of the second shell 12 parallel to the long side direction and close to the first shell 11). Thus, the second shaft body 19 connects the end of the hinge member 13 and the side wall 12b of the second shell 12 in a manner that the hinge member 13 and the second shell 12 can rotate freely relative to each other. Therefore, the second shaft body 19 functions as a second fulcrum that connects the hinge member 13 and the second shell 12 so that they can rotate freely relative to each other. In addition, as Fig. 9 As shown in (b), when viewed from the axial direction of the second shaft body 19, the rotation axis P2 of the second shaft body 19 (the rotation axis of the second fulcrum) is arranged on the second housing 12 side relative to the display panel 3. The rotation axis P2 of the second shaft body 19 is parallel to the rotation axis P1 of the first shaft body 18, and the axial direction of the second shaft body 19 is the same as the axial direction of the first shaft body 18. Here, the second housing 12 side particularly refers to the back panel 12e side of the second housing 12 (the so-called "back side").

[0081] The third shaft body 20 is a third hinge shaft, and connects one end of the hinge member 13, the first cover holding member 53, and the second cover holding member 54 so that the hinge member 13, the first cover holding member 53, and the second cover holding member 54 can rotate relative to each other. Fig. 9 As shown in (a), the third shaft body 20 formed integrally with the second cover holding member 54 is rotatably inserted into the shaft hole 53f and the shaft hole 13c. The shaft hole 53f passes through the end of the first cover holding member 53 opposite to the second cover holding member 54 in the long side direction of the hinge member 13 (specifically, the ends of the frame parts 53a and 53b of the first cover holding member 53 on the side of the second housing 12), and the shaft hole 13c is provided at the end of the hinge member 13 opposite to the second cover holding member 54 across the first cover holding member 53 (specifically, the first mounting part 131 and the second mounting part 132 of the hinge member 13). Thus, the third shaft body 20 connects the ends of the hinge member 13, the first cover holding member 53, and the second cover holding member 54 on the side of the hinge member 13 in a manner that the hinge member 13, the first cover holding member 53, and the second cover holding member 54 can rotate relative to each other. Therefore, the third shaft 20 functions as a third fulcrum for relatively rotatably connecting the hinge member 13, the first cover holding member 53, and the second cover holding member 54. The first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 rotate along with the first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54. Fig. 9As shown in (b), when viewed from the axial direction of the third shaft body 20, the rotation axis P3 (the rotation axis of the third fulcrum) of the third shaft body 20 is arranged on one side (the so-called "display surface side") of the first housing 51 and the second housing 52 relative to the display panel 3. The rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20 is parallel to the rotation axis P1 of the first shaft body 18, and the axial direction of the third shaft body 20 is the same as the axial direction of the first shaft body 18.

[0082] Therefore, when viewed from the axial direction of the first shaft 18, the first shaft 18 and the second shaft 19 are respectively located on the back side of the display panel 3, and the third shaft 20 is located on the display surface side of the display panel 3. For the display panel 3, the display surface side is the opposite side of the back side.

[0083] In addition, without limitation to the above, as long as the hinge member 13 and the first housing 11 can be connected to each other so as to be relatively rotatable, the first shaft 18 can be formed integrally with the first housing 11 or separately, and the shaft hole of the hinge member 13 and / or the first housing 11 for engaging the first shaft 18 can be a through hole or a non-through hole. Similarly, as long as the hinge member 13 and the second housing 12 can be connected to each other so as to be relatively rotatable, the second shaft 19 can be formed integrally with the second housing 12 or separately, and the shaft hole of the hinge member 13 and / or the second housing 12 for engaging the second shaft 19 can be a through hole or a non-through hole. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are connected to each other through the first shaft 18 and the second shaft 19 through the hinge member 13.

[0084] In addition, without limitation to the above, as long as the hinge member 13, the first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54 can be connected to each other so as to be relatively rotatable, the third shaft body 20 can be formed integrally with the first cover holding member 53 or the hinge member 13, or can be formed separately, and the shaft holes of the hinge member 13 and / or the second cover holding member 54 for fitting the third shaft body 20 can be through holes or non-through holes. The first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54 are connected to each other and are also connected to the hinge member 13 through the third shaft body 20.

[0085] The positional relationship of the shafts 18, 19, and 20 does not change by the opening and closing action of the housing unit 2. Therefore, as long as the hinge member 13 and the first housing 11 can be connected to each other so that they can rotate freely relative to each other, the first shaft 18 (first fulcrum) can also be a protrusion protruding in a direction parallel to the long side of the hinge member 13 provided on the above-mentioned mounting surface of the first mounting portion 131, and a protrusion protruding in a direction parallel to the long side of the hinge member 13 provided on the above-mentioned mounting surface of the second mounting portion 132. Similarly, as long as the hinge member 13 and the second housing 12 can be connected to each other so that they can rotate freely relative to each other, the second shaft 19 (second fulcrum) can also be a protrusion protruding in a direction parallel to the long side of the hinge member 13 provided on the above-mentioned mounting surface of the first mounting portion 131 in parallel with the above-mentioned first fulcrum, and a protrusion protruding in a direction parallel to the long side of the hinge member 13 provided on the above-mentioned mounting surface of the second mounting portion 132 in parallel with the first fulcrum. Similarly, as long as the hinge member 13, the first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54 can be connected so as to be relatively rotatable, the third axis 20 (third fulcrum) can also be a protrusion protruding in a direction parallel to the long side of the hinge member 13 and provided in any one of the hinge member 13, the first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54.

[0086] Furthermore, in the display device 1 , a holding mechanism is preferably provided to prevent the display device 1 (ie, the housing unit 2 ) from being unfolded more than 180°, and the holding mechanism is used to prevent an overload from being applied to the hinge member 13 and its vicinity when the display device 1 is unfolded and not folded.

[0087] (Display Panel)

[0088] like Figure 1 to Figure 2 As shown, the first housing 11 is provided with a flat first adhesive plate 16 for fixing the display panel 3. In addition, the second housing 12 is provided with a flat second adhesive plate 17 for fixing the display panel 3. In this embodiment, the first adhesive plate 16 and the second adhesive plate 17 are fixed to the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 by, for example, an adhesive.

[0089] One end of the display panel 3 (specifically, the long side of the display panel 3) is fixed to the first adhesive plate 16 by an adhesive, and the other end opposite to the one end is fixed to the second adhesive plate 17 by an adhesive. Thus, the one end and the other end of the display panel 3 are fixed to the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 so as to span the first shell 11 and the second shell 12.

[0090] In addition, if Figure 2As shown, an adhesive portion 133a is provided in the central portion of the surface of the connecting portion 133 of the hinge member 13 that faces the display panel 3 along the long side direction of the connecting portion 133, and the adhesive portion 133a is coated with an adhesive. The display panel 3 is fixed only to the first pasting plate 16, the second pasting plate 17, and the adhesive portion 133a by the adhesive layer of the adhesive, and the portion other than the first pasting plate 16, the second pasting plate 17, and the adhesive portion 133a is in a free state without being fixed.

[0091] The display panel 3 can be folded by bending the free portion between the first adhesive plate 16 and the adhesive portion 133a and the free portion between the second adhesive plate 17 and the adhesive portion 133a. Figure 4 As shown, in the first housing 11, the first pasting plate 16 is disposed separately from the connecting portion 133 of the hinge member 13 in a direction parallel to the pasting surface of the first pasting plate 16 and perpendicular to the long side direction of the hinge member 13, and a movable space for the free portion of the display panel 3 is provided between the first pasting plate 16 and the hinge member 13. Similarly, in the second housing 12, the second pasting plate 17 is disposed separately from the connecting portion 133 of the hinge member 13 in a direction parallel to the pasting surface of the second pasting plate 17 and perpendicular to the long side direction of the hinge member 13, and a movable space for the free portion of the display panel 3 is provided between the second pasting plate 17 and the hinge member 13.

[0092] In addition, the display panel 3 is not fixed to the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52. Therefore, the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are slidable relative to the display panel 3.

[0093] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a schematic configuration of the display panel 3 according to the present embodiment.

[0094] like Fig.10 As shown, the display panel 3 has a structure in which a lower surface film 31, a resin layer 32, a barrier layer 33, a drive circuit layer 34, a light emitting element layer 35, a sealing layer 36, and a touch panel 37 are stacked in order from the lower layer side (the above-mentioned adhesive layer side).

[0095] The lower surface film 31 is, for example, a PET film for realizing a display device 1 having excellent flexibility by being attached to the lower surface of the resin layer 32 after peeling off the support substrate. Examples of the material of the resin layer 32 include polyimide and the like.

[0096] The barrier layer 33 is a layer that prevents foreign matter such as water and oxygen from invading the drive circuit layer 34 and the light emitting element layer 35 , and can be composed of, for example, a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a silicon nitride oxide film, or a stacked film of these films formed by CVD.

[0097] The driving circuit layer 34 is, for example, a TFT layer, for example, including a semiconductor film, an inorganic insulating film (gate insulating film) above the semiconductor film, a gate electrode and a gate wiring above the inorganic insulating film, an inorganic insulating film above the gate electrode and the gate wiring, a capacitor electrode above the inorganic insulating film, an inorganic insulating film above the capacitor electrode, a source wiring above the inorganic insulating film, and a planarization film (interlayer insulating film) above the source wiring.

[0098] The light-emitting element layer 35 includes an anode layer higher than the above-mentioned planarization film, an insulating edge cover covering the edge of the anode, an EL (electroluminescent) layer higher than the edge cover, and a cathode layer higher than the EL layer. In the light-emitting element layer, a light-emitting element (for example, OLED: organic light-emitting diode, QLED: quantum dot diode) including an island-shaped anode, an EL layer, and a cathode is formed for each sub-pixel, and a sub-pixel circuit for controlling these light-emitting elements is formed in the driving circuit layer 34.

[0099] As a functional layer, the EL layer is composed of, for example, a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer stacked in sequence from the lower layer side. In addition, light-emitting elements (inorganic light-emitting diodes, etc.) other than the above-mentioned OLED and QLED can also be formed in the light-emitting element layer.

[0100] The sealing layer 36 is light-transmissive and includes an inorganic sealing film 36a covering the cathode, an organic barrier film 36b on top of the inorganic sealing film 36a, and an inorganic sealing film 36c on top of the organic barrier film 36b. The sealing layer 36 covering the light-emitting element layer 35 prevents foreign matter such as water and oxygen from penetrating into the light-emitting element layer 35.

[0101] The inorganic sealing layer 36a and the inorganic sealing layer 36c are respectively inorganic insulating films, and can be composed of, for example, a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film or a silicon oxynitride film formed by a CVD method, or a laminated film of these films. The organic barrier film 36b is a light-transmitting organic film with a flattening effect, and can be composed of a coatable organic material such as acrylic acid. Although the organic barrier film 36b can be formed by, for example, inkjet coating, a dam for preventing droplets can also be provided in a frame area (non-display area) surrounding the display area.

[0102] As the touch panel 37 , a film-type touch panel composed of a functional film having a touch sensor function is used.

[0103] The above-described display panel 3 is an example of the display panel 3 according to the present embodiment, and the type of the display panel 3 is not particularly limited as long as it is a flexible and foldable display panel.

[0104] (Touch operation)

[0105] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, when the housing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees so that the display panel 3 is unfolded 180 degrees, the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are arranged in the same plane. Similarly, when the housing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees so that the display panel 3 is unfolded 180 degrees, the hinge member 13, the first adhesive plate 16 and the second adhesive plate 17 are arranged in the same plane parallel to the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52. In addition, here, the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are arranged in the same plane, which means that their respective upper surfaces (user-side surfaces) are arranged in the same plane. In addition, the hinge member 13, the first adhesive plate 16 and the second adhesive plate 17 are arranged in the same plane, which means that these hinge members 13, the first adhesive plate 16 and the second adhesive plate 17 are arranged in the same plane in a state including the above-mentioned adhesive layer.

[0106] like Figure 5 As shown, the upper surface (display surface) of the display panel 3 is covered by a first cover glass 51 and a second cover glass 52. Therefore, when a user uses the touch panel 37, that is, performs a touch operation, the user directly touches the first cover glass 51 or the second cover glass 52 mechanically.

[0107] Therefore, the display panel 3 is not subjected to pressure due to a touch operation, and therefore, even if a user performs a touch operation on a portion of the display panel 3 that is not supported from the lower surface side (specifically, a portion between the first pasting plate 16 and the connecting portion 133 of the hinge member 13, and a portion between the second pasting plate 17 and the connecting portion 133 of the hinge member 13), the display panel 3 is not damaged by the pressure. In addition, regardless of whether the display panel 3 is supported from the lower surface side, the user can obtain a sense of touch from the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52.

[0108] In addition, when the housing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees so that the display panel 3 is in a 180-degree unfolded state, the lower surfaces of the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are close to or in contact with the display surface of the display panel 3. Therefore, when the display device 1 is unfolded, the user can operate the touch panel 37 included in the display panel 3 through the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52.

[0109] In the present embodiment, when the housing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees so that the display panel 3 is in a 180-degree unfolded state, the lower surfaces of the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 abut against the display surface of the display panel 3. In particular, in the area where the display panel 3 is supported from the lower surface side, that is, the area corresponding to the first adhesive plate 16, the hinge member 13, and the second adhesive plate 17, the lower surfaces of the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are in close contact with the display surface of the display panel 3 when the display device 1 is unfolded.

[0110] Therefore, when the display device 1 is unfolded, the user can use the touch panel 37 on the entire surface of the display area of ​​the display panel 3. Moreover, even when the housing unit 2 is in the process of being folded or opened, for example, when it stops at a state of being opened 90 degrees or 135 degrees, when the lower surfaces of the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are close to the display surface of the display panel 3, or in such an area, the display panel 3 can be touched.

[0111] Furthermore, the user can use a stylus pen to perform a touch operation. Compared with a touch operation based on a finger, in a touch operation based on a stylus pen, the load is concentrated on a small area. Therefore, the structure in which the display panel is pressed by the touch operation cannot cope with the input of the stylus pen. In contrast, the structure involved in this embodiment does not apply the weight caused by the touch operation to the display panel 3, and thus can cope with the input based on the stylus pen.

[0112] In addition, in the display device 1, the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are relatively rotated by the shaft 20 along with the first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54, respectively. Therefore, although there is a gap between the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52, which is called a rotational backing for avoiding contact with each other, the step caused by such a gap is less than 1 mm, and touch operation can be fully performed even in the above gap. In addition, the user can visually see the above gap between the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52, so the touch operation can be avoided in the above gap.

[0113] (Opening and closing action)

[0114] In addition, according to the above-mentioned display device 1, during the opening and closing action of the shell unit 2 (in other words, the opening and closing action of the display device 1), the first cover retaining member 53 and the first cover glass 51 can be moved in conjunction with the action of the first shell 11, and the second cover retaining member 54 and the second cover glass 52 can be moved in conjunction with the action of the second shell 12.

[0115] Below, refer to Figures 11 to 15 , the opening and closing operation of the display device 1 involved in this embodiment is described.

[0116] Figures 11 to 151 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing operation of the display device 1 according to the present embodiment. Figures 11 to 15 , the hinge member 13 is shown from one side in the long side direction ( Figure 2 , Figure 3 The side walls 11a, 11b, 11c of the first shell 11, the back panel 11e, the long hole 11g and the general shape of the first pasting plate 16, the side walls 12a, 12b, 12c of the second shell 12, the back panel 12e, the long hole 12g, the general shape of the second pasting plate 17, the general shape of the display panel 3, the general shape of the first cover glass 51, the general shape of the second cover glass 52, the general shape of the protrusions 53e, 54e of the first cover retaining member 53, the second cover retaining member 54, and the rotation axes P1, P2, P3 of the shafts 18, 19, 20 are observed, and the illustration of other structures is omitted.

[0117] Below, refer to Figures 11 to 15 , an example is given of the opening and closing action of rotating the first shell 11 90° relative to the hinge member 13 from the state where the display device 1 is unfolded 180°, and then rotating the second shell 12 90° relative to the hinge member 13 to achieve the state of folding the display device 1.

[0118] like Fig.11 As shown, in the state where the housing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees, the upper surfaces of the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are arranged on the same plane parallel to the display panel 3. In addition, the upper surfaces of the first adhesive plate 16 and the second adhesive plate 17 are arranged on the same plane, which is another plane parallel to the display panel 3. In addition, each end of the two frame portions 53a and 53b of the first cover holding member 53 on the side away from the hinge member 13 (i.e., the side provided with the protrusion 53e) is located closest to the rotation axis P1 of the first shaft body 18 within the range of sliding, and each end of the two frame portions 54a and 54b of the second cover holding member 54 on the side away from the hinge member 13 (i.e., the side provided with the protrusion 54e) is located closest to the rotation axis P2 of the second shaft body 19 within the range of sliding.

[0119] From this state Fig.12When the first housing 11 is rotated relative to the hinge member 13 as shown, the position of the second cover glass 52 does not change, but the position of the first cover glass 51 changes. Specifically, the first cover holding member 53 is pressed by the first housing 11 by the protrusion 53e of the first cover holding member 53 fitted in the long hole 11g of the first housing 11. As a result, the first cover holding member 53 rotates relative to the hinge member 13, and the protrusion 53e of the first cover holding member 53 slides in the long hole 11g of the first housing 11 in a manner away from the rotation axis P1 of the first shaft body 18. In addition, the first cover glass 51 also rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first cover holding member 53.

[0120] Moreover, if Fig.13 As shown, at the stage where the first housing 11 is bent 90 degrees relative to the second housing 12, the protrusion 53e of the first cover holding member 53 reaches the position farthest from the rotation axis P1 of the first shaft body 18 within the slidable range of the long hole 11g of the first housing 11. At this time, each end of the two frame portions 53a and 53b of the first cover holding member 53 on the side away from the hinge member 13 is located at the farthest position from the rotation axis P1 of the first shaft body 18 within the slidable range, and each end of the two frame portions 54a and 54b of the second cover holding member 54 on the side away from the hinge member 13 is located at the position closest to the rotation axis P2 of the second shaft body 19 within the slidable range.

[0121] Then, from this state Fig.14 When the second housing 12 is rotated relative to the hinge member 13 as shown, the position of the first cover glass 51 does not change, but the position of the second cover glass 52 changes. Specifically, the second cover holding member 54 is pressed by the second housing 12 by the protrusion 54e of the second cover holding member 54 fitted in the long hole 12g of the second housing 12. As a result, the second cover holding member 54 rotates relative to the hinge member 13, and the protrusion 54e of the second cover holding member 54 slides in the long hole 12g of the second housing 12 in a manner away from the rotation axis P2 of the second shaft body 19. In addition, the second cover glass 52 also rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the second cover holding member 54.

[0122] And, if Fig.15As shown, at the stage of folding and closing the housing unit 2 in a manner that the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are opposite to each other (in other words, in a manner that the display panel 3 is in a folded state), the protrusion 54e of the second cover holding member 54 reaches the position farthest from the rotation axis P2 of the second shaft body 19 within the slidable range of the long hole 12g of the second housing 12. At this time, each end of the two frame portions 53a and 53b of the first cover holding member 53 on the side away from the hinge member 13 is located at the position farthest from the rotation axis P1 of the first shaft body 18 within the slidable range, and each end of the two frame portions 54a and 54b of the second cover holding member 54 on the side away from the hinge member 13 is located at the position farthest from the rotation axis P2 of the second shaft body 19 within the slidable range.

[0123] like Figures 11 to 15 As shown, according to the present embodiment, in the display panel 3, the portion between the first pasting plate 16 and the connecting portion 133 of the hinge member 13, and the portion between the second pasting plate 17 and the connecting portion 133 of the hinge member 13 are not supported from the lower surface side, and thus can be bent in a manner that the portions bulge out toward the lower surface side. Therefore, the bulging of the folded portion of the display panel 3 can be contained in the space surrounded by the first housing 11, the second housing 12, the hinge member 13, the first cover glass 51, and the second cover glass 52.

[0124] Therefore, the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass move in conjunction with the movement of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, so the opening and closing movement of the display device 1 is simple. In addition, the movement mechanism of the display device 1 that moves the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 in conjunction with the movement of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 is also simple.

[0125] Furthermore, from the state where the housing unit 2 is opened to the state where the housing unit 2 is closed, there is no Figures 12 to 15 The display panel 3 shown is bent so as to change the overall length of the display panel 3. That is, the display panel 3 is not pulled and loaded.

[0126] (Rotation axis position)

[0127] Below, refer to Fig.16 , the positions of the rotation axes P1 , P2 , and P3 of the shaft bodies 18 , 19 , and 20 in the display device 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0128] Fig.16 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the positions of the rotation axes P1 , P2 , and P3 of the shaft bodies 18 , 19 , and 20 in the display device 1 according to the present embodiment, within a plane whose normal direction is the axial direction of the first shaft body 18 . Fig.16(a) shows a state where the housing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees so that the display panel 3 is unfolded 180 degrees. Fig.16 (b) shows a state where the housing unit 2 is folded and closed so that the display panel 3 is in a folded state.

[0129] For ease of illustration, Fig.16 in Figure 4 In the portion indicated by the dotted line frame D, the hinge member 13 is shown from one side in the long side direction ( Figure 2 The approximate shapes of the side walls 11a, 11c and the back panel 11e of the first shell 11, the approximate shapes of the side walls 12a, 12c and the back panel 12e of the second shell 12, the approximate shapes of the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52, and the rotation axes P1, P2, and P3 of the shafts 18, 19, and 20 are observed, and illustration of other structures is omitted.

[0130] The rotation axes P1, P2, P3 of the shaft bodies 18, 19, 20 are parallel to each other. In the present embodiment, the rotation axes P1, P2, P3 are parallel to the short sides of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 and parallel to the long sides of the hinge member 13.

[0131] The rotation axis P1 of the first shaft body 18 and the rotation axis P2 of the second shaft body 19 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20. Fig.16 As shown, the rotation axes P1 and P2 of the first shaft body 18 and the second shaft body 19 are arranged in a manner depicted as the following triangle: an isosceles triangle with equal lengths of (i) a first side S1 connecting the rotation axis P1 of the first shaft body 18 and the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20 and (ii) a second side S2 connecting the rotation axis P2 of the second shaft body 19 and the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20.

[0132] In addition, the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 are also arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20. Specifically, even when the housing unit 2 is in an open state or a closed state, the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20 is located on the same plane as the side surface 51a of the first cover glass 51 and is located on the same plane as the side surface 52a of the second cover glass 52.

[0133] Furthermore, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are also arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20. Specifically, the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20 and the center point M of the third side S3 connecting the rotation axis P1 of the first shaft body 18 and the rotation axis P2 of the second shaft body 19 are arranged so as to be located on the same plane as the outer surface of the side wall 11a of the first housing 11 and on the same plane as the outer surface of the side wall 12a of the second housing 12 when the housing unit 2 is opened.

[0134] In this embodiment, if Fig.16 As shown in (b), the upper surface of the first cover glass 51 and the upper surface of the second cover glass 52 are opposite to each other and abut against each other. Fig.16 As shown in (a) and (b), the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20 is located in the same plane as the upper surface of the first cover glass 51 and the upper surface of the second cover glass 52, regardless of whether the housing unit 2 is in the open state or the closed state. Therefore, when the housing unit 2 is in the open state, the distance D1 between the rotation axis P1 of the first shaft body 18 and the upper surface of the first cover glass 51 and the distance D2 between the rotation axis P2 of the second shaft body 19 and the upper surface of the second cover glass 52 are equivalent to the distance D3 between the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20 and the center point M of the third side S3 connecting the rotation axis P1 of the first shaft body 18 and the rotation axis P2 of the second shaft body 19. Similarly, when the housing unit 2 is in the closed state, the sum of the distance D1 and the distance D2 is equal to the length L of the third side S3. That is, the following equations (1) and (2) are established. |

[0135] D1=D2=D3…(1)

[0136] D1+D2=L…(2)

[0137] From equations (1) and (2), it can be derived that L=2×D3. Therefore, in the plane with the axial direction of the first shaft body 18 as the normal direction, in the present embodiment, the rotation axes P1, P2, and P3 are arranged in a manner to depict a triangle in which the length L of the third side S3 is twice the distance D3 from the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20 to the center point M of the third side S3. As described above, this triangle is an isosceles triangle, and therefore is a right-angled isosceles triangle.

[0138] In addition, from the state of opening the housing unit 2 to the state of closing the housing unit 2, the side surface 51a of the first cover glass 51 on the hinge member 13 side slides parallel to the long side direction of the first housing 11 by a distance D1+D3. Therefore, the long hole 11g of the first housing 11 is extended so that the distance D4 (refer to Figure 6 ) is greater than D1+D3 (D4≥D1+D3), and the distance D4 is the distance that the protrusion 53e of the first cover holding member 53 can slide in the long hole 11g of the first shell 11 in a direction parallel to the long side of the first shell 11. Similarly, the long hole 12g of the second shell 12 is extended so that the distance D5 (refer to Figure 8 ) is greater than or equal to D2+D3 (D5≥D2+D3), and the distance D5 is a distance that the protrusion 54e of the second cover holding member 54 can slide in the long hole 12g of the second shell 12 in a direction parallel to the long side of the second shell 12.

[0139] In addition, the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20 is located on the same plane as the upper surfaces of the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52, so when the housing unit 2 is opened so that the display panel 3 is opened 180 degrees, the hinge member 13, the first cover holding member 53 and the second cover holding member 54, and the third shaft body 20 are connected to the upper surface side more than the upper surfaces of the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52. On the other hand, the hinge part does not protrude to the lower surface side. Therefore, in the display device 1 according to the present embodiment, the protrusion of the hinge part is small when the display panel 3 is unfolded.

[0140] Alternatively, although not shown, in the folded state where the display device is folded 1 times, the upper surface of the first cover glass 51 and the upper surface of the second cover glass 52 may be separated from each other on one side of the hinge member 13. In this case, L>2×D3, that is, in a plane with the axial direction of the first shaft body 18 as the normal direction, the rotation axes P1, P2, and P3 are arranged so as to be drawn as a triangle in which the length L of the third side S3 is longer than twice the distance D3 from the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20 to the center point M of the third side S3. This triangle is an isosceles triangle as described above, and therefore is an obtuse isosceles triangle.

[0141] (Chamfer)

[0142] Below, refer to Fig.16 Next, chamfers of the first housing 11 , the second housing 12 , the first cover glass 51 , and the second cover glass 52 in the display device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0143] When the display device 1 is opened or closed, the display panel 3 easily collides and rubs against the lower surface corners (first corners) of the side surfaces 51a and 52a of the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52. To reduce such collision and friction, the corners are rounded.

[0144] As described above, there is a gap for the rotary cutter between the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52. In order to provide such a gap for the rotary cutter, the upper surface side corners (second corners) of the side surfaces 51a and 52a of the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52 on the hinge member 13 side are R-chamfered. It is preferred that the R value (i.e., the curvature radius of the R-chamfer) R1 of the upper surface side corner is smaller than the R value R2 of the lower surface side corner.

[0145] [Second embodiment]

[0146] In this embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0147] Fig.17It is a schematic side view showing the positions of the rotation axes P1 , P2 , and P3 of the shaft bodies 18 , 19 , and 20 of the display device 1 according to the present embodiment within a plane having the axial direction of the first shaft body 18 as a normal direction.

[0148] For ease of illustration, Fig.17 , the hinge member 13 is shown from one side in the long side direction ( Figure 2 The schematic shape of the functional film 55 observed on the right side of the figure, the schematic shape of the side walls 11a, 11c and the back panel 11e of the first shell 11, the schematic shape of the side walls 12a, 12c and the back panel 12e of the second shell 12, the schematic shape of the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52, and the rotation axes P1, P2, and P3 of the shafts 18, 19, and 20 are omitted in the illustration of other structures.

[0149] like Fig.17 As shown, the display device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a functional film 55 attached to the upper surfaces of the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52. By attaching in this manner, foreign matter such as dust can be prevented from entering the interior of the housing unit 2 from between the first cover glass 51 and the second cover glass 52. The functional film 55 is, for example, an anti-breakage film and an anti-reflection film.

[0150] The functional film 55 (i) has a first portion attached to the upper surface of the first cover glass 51 and a second portion attached to the upper surface of the second cover glass 52, (ii) has transparency and flexibility, and (iii) is folded in a folded state in which the display device 1 is folded so that the upper surfaces of the first portion and the second portion face each other. In addition, when the housing unit 2 is opened so that the display panel 3 is opened 180 degrees, the functional film 55 is attached in a state in which at least a portion of the functional film 55 overlaps with the display area of ​​the display panel 3.

[0151] In this embodiment, if Fig.17As shown, the functional film 55 is attached, so the upper surfaces of the first part and the second part of the functional film 55 abut against each other, instead of the upper surface of the first cover glass 51 and the upper surface of the second cover glass 52 abut against each other. The functional film 55 is bent around the center plane 55a while keeping the size of the center plane 55a (the center plane in the thickness direction) between the upper surface and the lower surface constant. Therefore, when the housing unit 2 is opened so that the display panel 3 is opened 180 degrees, the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20 is arranged on the center plane 55a of the functional film 55. On the other hand, when the housing unit 2 is folded and closed so that the display panel 3 is folded, the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20 sometimes deviates from the center plane 55a of the functional film 55 due to the thickness of the functional film 55. Since the functional film 55 is thin, the deviation is small enough to be ignored. Therefore, even when the housing unit 2 is folded and closed, the rotation axis P3 of the third shaft body 20 can be regarded as being located on the center plane 55a of the functional film 55.

[0152] Therefore, similarly to the above-mentioned first embodiment, regarding the distance D1′ between the rotation axis P1 of the first axis 18 and the center plane 55a of the functional film 55, the distance D2′ between the rotation axis P2 of the second axis 19 and the center plane 55a of the functional film 55, the distance D3 between the rotation axis P3 of the third axis 20 and the center point M of the third side S3 connecting the rotation axis P1 of the first axis 18 and the rotation axis P2 of the second axis 19, and the length L of the third side S3, the following equations (1)′ and (2)′ hold.

[0153] D1′=D2′=D3···(1)′

[0154] D1′+D2′=L···(2)′

[0155] Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotation axes P1, P2, and P3 are also arranged to describe a right isosceles triangle with L = 2 × D3. Alternatively, although not shown, the rotation axes P1, P2, and P3 may be arranged to describe an obtuse isosceles triangle with L> 2 × D3.

[0156] [Third embodiment]

[0157] In this embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0158] Fig.18 (a) is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a display device 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig.18 (b) is Fig.18 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the housing unit 2 as viewed along the line BB'. Fig.19 (a) is an enlarged view Fig.18A cross-sectional view of a main part of the portion F shown by the dotted line frame in (a), Fig.19 (b) is an enlarged view showing Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of a main portion of portion G shown by being surrounded by a dotted frame in (b).

[0159] like Fig.18 , Fig.19 As shown, the display device 1 according to this embodiment includes a first flange portion 56 of the first housing 11 and a second flange portion 57 of the second housing 12. The first flange portion 56 and the second flange portion 57 may be formed of the same material as the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, respectively.

[0160] like Fig.18 (b) and Fig.19 As shown in (a), when the housing unit 2 is opened so that the display panel 3 is opened 180 degrees, the side surface 51b of the first cover glass 51 away from the hinge member 13 is accommodated on the lower surface side of the first flange 56. At this time, in a plan view observed from a direction perpendicular to the display surface of the display panel 3, when the housing assembly 2 is opened, the end of the first cover glass 51 away from the hinge member 13 overlaps with the first flange 56. Thus, foreign matter such as dust can be prevented from entering the first housing 11 from the gap between the first housing 11 and the first cover glass 51. In addition, in a plan view, when the housing assembly 2 is opened, the end of the first cover holding member 53 away from the hinge member 13 also overlaps with the first flange 56.

[0161] Likewise, if Fig.18 (b) and Fig.19 As shown in (b), when the housing unit 2 is opened so that the display panel 3 is opened 180 degrees, the side surface 52b of the second cover glass 52 away from the hinge member 13 is accommodated on the lower surface side of the second eaves 57. At this time, in a plan view observed from a direction perpendicular to the display surface of the display panel 3, in a state where the housing assembly 2 is opened, the end of the second cover glass 52 away from the hinge member 13 overlaps with the second eaves 57. Thus, foreign matter such as dust can be prevented from entering the second housing 12 from the gap between the second housing 12 and the second cover glass 52. In addition, in a plan view, in a state where the housing assembly 2 is opened, the end of the second cover holding member 54 away from the hinge member 13 also overlaps with the second eaves 57.

[0162] [Fourth embodiment]

[0163] In this embodiment, differences from the first, second, and third embodiments will be described.

[0164] Fig. 20(a) is a plan view showing a schematic structure of the housing unit 2 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 20 (b) shows that Fig. 20 (a) is a perspective view of the housing unit 2 in a state where the first cover glass 51, the second cover glass 52, the first cover holding member 53, the second cover holding member 54, and the second attachment plate 17 are removed. Fig.21 (a) is Fig. 20 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the housing unit 2 taken along the line BB', Fig.21 (b) is Fig. 20 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the housing unit 2 as viewed along the line CC'.

[0165] like Fig. 20 (b) and Fig.21 As shown in (a), the display device 1 involved in this embodiment includes a portion inside the shell unit 2 that cannot be seen from the outside of the display device 1, specifically including a spring 24 as an elastic member, which is located between the back side of the second pasting plate 17 (in other words, the surface of the second pasting plate 17 that is opposite to the pasting surface of the display panel 3) and the surface 12k of the second shell 12, which is opposite to the back side of the above-mentioned second pasting plate 17.

[0166] A spring holding member 25 for holding the spring 24 is attached to the back surface of the second attachment plate 17. The spring holding member 25 is bonded to the second attachment plate 17 by, for example, an adhesive.

[0167] like Fig. 20 (b) and Fig.21 As shown in (a) and (b) of the drawings, a frame-shaped wall body 121 is provided in the second housing 12, for example. The wall body 121 surrounds the spring holding member 25 and has a groove portion 121a.

[0168] The spring 24 is configured to expand and contract in a direction parallel to the bonding surface of the display panel 3 on the second bonding plate 17 and perpendicular to the axis of the folded housing unit 2. In the direction perpendicular to the axis of the folded housing unit 2, a spring receiving portion 25a is provided on the surface of the spring holding member 25 opposite to the wall body 121, and the spring receiving portion 25a abuts against one end of the spring 24 in the expansion and contraction direction.

[0169] In the direction perpendicular to the axis along which the housing unit 2 is folded, a spring receiving portion 121b is provided on the surface of the wall 121 opposite to the spring receiving portion 25a, and the spring receiving portion 121b abuts against the other end of the spring 24 in the extension and contraction direction in such a manner as to sandwich the spring 24 between the spring receiving portion 25a. In this case, the direction perpendicular to the axis along which the housing unit 2 is folded is indicated as a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft bodies 18 to 20 (in other words, the long side direction of the hinge member 13).

[0170] exist Fig. 20 (b) and Fig.21 In (a), the following example is cited and illustrated: the spring receiving portion 25a is arranged in the central part of one end portion on the hinge member 13 side among the two end portions of the spring retaining member 25 parallel to the long side direction of the hinge member 13, and the spring receiving portion 121b is arranged in the central part of the surface opposite to the spring receiving portion 25a at one end portion on the hinge member 13 side among the two end portions of the wall body 121 parallel to the long side direction of the hinge member 13.

[0171] However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the spring receiving portion 25a may also be provided at the other end portion of the spring holding member 25 parallel to the long side direction of the hinge member 13 (ie, at the Fig. 20 (b), the end opposite to the end provided with the spring receiving portion 25a across the groove portion 121a). In addition, the number of spring receiving portions 25a and the contact area of ​​the spring 24 in the spring receiving portion 25a are not particularly limited. Fig. 20 (b) and Fig.21 In (a), the case where the spring 24 is a compression coil spring is exemplified and illustrated, but the type of the spring 24 is not particularly limited.

[0172] When the housing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees, the spring 24 is arranged to be compressed toward one side of the hinge member 13 in such a manner that the display panel 3 is opened 180 degrees without bending. Specifically, when the housing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees, first, one end of the display panel 3 is attached to the first pasting plate 16, and then, in a state where the spring 24 is compressed so that the second pasting plate 17 is located closest to the hinge member 13 within a slidable range, the other end of the display panel 3 opposite to the above-mentioned one end is attached to the second pasting plate 17. Therefore, when the housing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees, the display panel 3 is arranged between the first pasting plate 16 and the second pasting plate 17 in a tensioned state in such a manner that the spring 24 is compressed, and through the display panel 3, the second pasting plate 17 on the movable side is connected to the spring 24 and pulled toward the direction of the first pasting plate 16 on the fixed side. Therefore, the spring 24 has tension in the direction of moving the second pasting plate 17 away from the hinge member 13.

[0173] The width of the groove portion 121 a in the direction perpendicular to the axis along which the housing unit 2 is folded is formed to be larger than the width of the spring holding member 25 in the same direction.

[0174] When the housing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees, a gap is provided between the opposing surface of the wall 121 opposing the spring holding member 25 and the opposing surface of the spring holding member 25 opposing the wall 121, the opposing surface of the wall 121 opposing the spring holding member 25 being located at the end opposite to the hinge member 13 of the two ends parallel to the long side direction of the hinge member 13, and the opposing surface of the spring holding member 25 opposing the wall 121 being located at the end opposite to the hinge member 13 of the two ends parallel to the long side direction of the hinge member 13. In addition, when the housing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees, the above-mentioned gap is covered by the second adhesive plate 17 in a plan view.

[0175] By the expansion and contraction of the spring 24, the spring retainer 25 can move in the above-mentioned gap along the second housing 12 in a direction parallel to the pasting surface of the display panel 3 on the second pasting plate 17 and perpendicular to the axis of the housing unit 2 being folded. Therefore, by the expansion and contraction of the spring 24, the second pasting plate 17 can move along the second housing 12 in a direction parallel to the pasting surface of the display panel 3 on the second pasting plate 17 and perpendicular to the axis of the housing unit 2 being folded. In addition, in the present embodiment, the first pasting plate 16 is also fixed to the first housing 11.

[0176] like Fig.21 As shown in (b), the spring holding member 25 is arranged in contact with the wall 121 of the second housing 12 at the end parallel to the direction perpendicular to the axis of the housing unit 2 being folded. The spring holding member 25 slides smoothly with the wall 121. In the wall 121, a guide member for guiding the spring holding member 25 in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the housing unit 2 being folded may be provided, and a slider for sliding the spring holding member 25 in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the housing unit 2 being folded may also be provided.

[0177] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the second pasting plate 17 is moved integrally with respect to the second housing 12 by fixing the spring holding member 25 to the second pasting plate 17, but the second pasting plate 17 and the spring holding member 25 may also be formed integrally. That is, by integrating the second pasting plate 17 with the spring holding member 25, the spring holding member 25 is used as the second pasting plate 17, and the spring holding member 25 may also be moved relative to the second housing 12.

[0178] Next, refer to Figure 22 to Figure 24 The effects of the display device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0179] Fig. 22 It is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the relationship between the length of the display panel 3 and the length of the plane L1 passing through the shafts 18 and 19 and parallel to the first casing 11 and the second casing 12 when the casing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees. Fig.23 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the relationship between the length of the bonding surface 3' of the display panel 3 when the housing unit 2 starts to be bent and the length of the surface L1 passing through the shafts 18 and 19 and parallel to the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, Fig.23 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the relationship between the length of the display panel 3 and the length of the surface L1 passing through the shafts 18 and 19 and parallel to the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 when the shell unit 2 starts to be bent when the first adhesive plate 16 and the second adhesive plate 17 are respectively fixed to the corresponding first shell 11 and the second shell 12. Fig.24 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the relationship between the length of the display panel 3 when the housing unit 2 in the display device 1 according to the present embodiment starts to be folded and the length of a plane L1 passing through the shafts 18 and 19 and parallel to the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 .

[0180] in addition, Figure 22 to Figure 24 All are enlarged Fig.21 A cross-sectional view of the main part of the portion surrounded by a dotted frame in (a), Figure 22 to Figure 24 The length of the display panel 3 between the dotted lines, the length of the adhesive surface of the display panel 3 and the length of the surface L1 all correspond to Fig.21 The length of the portion of the display panel 3 enclosed by the dotted frame in (a), the length of the attached surface of the display panel 3, and the length of the surface L1. The surface L1 is a virtual surface, and the length of the surface L1 is the virtual length of the surface L1.

[0181] When the housing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees, Fig. 22 The length of the display panel 3 between the dashed lines is the same as the length of the surface L1. When the housing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees in this way, the length of the attachment surface 3' of the display panel 3 in the housing unit 2 is the same as the actual length of the display panel 3.

[0182] On the other hand, when the housing unit 2 is folded, the hinge member 13 is located outside the display panel 3. In other words, when the housing unit 2 is folded, the surface L1 on the shafts 18 and 19 that is parallel to the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 is located outside the bonding surface 3' of the display panel 3. Therefore, if the housing unit 2 is folded from the 180-degree unfolded state, Fig.23The length of the adhesive surface 3' of the display panel 3 between the single-point dashed lines shown in (a) is shorter than the length of the above-mentioned surface L1. Therefore, when the first adhesive plate 16 and the second adhesive plate 17 are respectively fixed to the corresponding first shell 11 and the second shell 12, if the shell unit 2 is bent from the 180-degree unfolded state, the display panel 3 between the first adhesive plate 16 and the second adhesive plate 17 becomes longer than the adhesive surface 3' of the display panel 3, and the display panel 3 is left over relative to the adhesive surface 3' of the display panel 3, and as shown in FIG. Fig.23 As shown in (b), the display panel 3 is bent. Fig.23 The length of the display panel 3 between the dashed lines shown in (b) and the length of the plane L1 become the same length due to the bending of the display panel 3.

[0183] However, according to the present embodiment, as described above, when the shell unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees, the spring 24 is configured to be pulled by the display panel 3 and compressed toward one side of the hinge member 13, and has tension (elastic force, i.e., force to restore) in a direction that moves the second adhesive plate 17 away from the hinge member 13.

[0184] Therefore, when the housing unit 2 is folded from the 180-degree state, the tension applied to the display panel 3 is weakened, and the tension applied to the spring 24 is weakened by the bending from the stretched state. As a result, the spring 24 stretches the second adhesive plate 17 away from the hinge member 13. As a result, the spring holding member 25 is moved toward the hinge member 13 by the spring 24. Fig.24 The spring holding member 25 is pressed in the downward direction of the second housing 12 (in other words, in the direction of the above-mentioned side wall 12a in the second housing 12), thereby the spring holding member 25 together with the second pasting plate 17 moves the second pasting plate 17 along the second housing 12 in the direction away from the hinge member 13. At this time, the elastic force of the spring 24 acts between the second pasting plate 17 and the second housing 12. In addition, at this time, by moving the spring holding member 25 in the groove portion 121a of the wall body 121, the wall body 121 acts as a limiting member that limits the movement range of the second pasting plate 17 and the spring holding member 25.

[0185] like Fig. 22 As shown, when the housing unit 2 is unfolded 180 degrees, the spring 24 is compressed to a length n in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the housing unit 2 being folded. Fig.24 As shown, when the second pasting plate 17 and the spring retaining member 25 move a distance g1 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shell unit 2 being folded in such a manner that the second pasting plate 17 moves away from the hinge member 13, the spring 24 is extended to a length n+g1 in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the shell unit 2 being folded between the spring receiving portion 25a and the spring receiving portion 121b.

[0186] In this way, the display panel 3 moves along the second housing 12. Fig.24 The display panel 3 is attached to the first adhesive plate 16 and the second adhesive plate 17, and the spring 24 pushes the second adhesive plate 17 to the bottom of the display panel 3. Fig.24 The deflection amount of the display panel 3 between the first pasting plate 16 and the second pasting plate 17 is pressed downwardly in the lower part. Therefore, the above distance g1 corresponds to the length of the deflection amount of the display panel 3. That is, in this embodiment, when the housing unit 2 is placed as Fig.24 In the bent state as shown, the display panel 3 Fig.24 The deflection amount (equivalent to the length of the distance g1) is extended in the downward direction, thereby Fig.24 The length of the above surface L1 between the single-point dashed lines shown is Fig.24 The direction shown Fig.24 The length of the display panel 3 extends downward by a distance g1 ( Fig.24 The length of the display panel 3 between the single-dotted line on the upper end side and the double-dotted line on the lower end side becomes the same length.

[0187] According to the present embodiment, the second pasting plate 17 is moved along the second shell 12 in a direction parallel to the pasting surface of the display panel 3 and perpendicular to the axis of the shell unit 2 being folded, and when the shell unit 2 is bent, the second pasting plate 17 is moved away from the hinge member 13, so that the display panel 3 pasted on the second pasting plate 17 is pulled in the moving direction of the second pasting plate 17, and no Fig.23 Deflection as shown in (b).

[0188] When the housing unit 2 is folded and closed so that the display panel 3 is in a folded state, the display panel 3 adhered to the first adhesive plate 16 is pulled, and the second adhesive plate 17 moves toward one side of the hinge member 13 (i.e., in a direction that brings the second adhesive plate 17 closer to the hinge member 13), whereby the spring 24 is compressed again.

[0189] According to the present embodiment, when the housing unit 2 is bent, the second pasting plate 17 is moved in a direction away from the hinge member 13, so that the display panel 3 pasted on the second pasting plate 17 is pulled in the moving direction of the second pasting plate 17, and no bending occurs in the display panel 3. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even in the middle of bending, the touch operation of the display panel 3 can be fully performed.

[0190] 〔Summarize〕

[0191] The display device involved in mode 1 of the present invention comprises a foldable shell unit and a flexible display panel, the display panel has a first display area and a second display area adjacent to the first display area, the shell unit includes: a hinge member; a first shell and a second shell, which are connected to each other via the hinge member; a first cover holding member and a second cover holding member, which are connected to each other and to the hinge member; a first cover member, which is held by the first cover holding member and covers the display surface of the first display area of ​​the display panel; a second cover member, which is held by the second cover holding member and covers the display surface of the second display area of ​​the display panel; a first fulcrum, which is connected to the hinge member and the upper The hinge member is connected to the end of the first shell in a manner that the first shell is relatively rotatable; a second fulcrum is connected to the end of the second shell in a manner that the hinge member and the second shell are relatively rotatable; and a third fulcrum is connected to the hinge member, the first end of the first cover holding member and the first end of the second cover holding member in a manner that the hinge member, the first cover holding member and the second cover holding member are relatively rotatable, the second end of the first cover holding member on the opposite side to the first end can be slidably connected to the first shell, and the second end of the second cover holding member on the opposite side to the first end can be slidably connected to the second shell.

[0192] The display device involved in mode 2 of the present invention can also be configured as follows: in the above-mentioned mode 21, when observed from the axial direction of the above-mentioned first fulcrum, the above-mentioned first fulcrum and the above-mentioned second fulcrum are arranged on the back side of the above-mentioned display panel, and when observed from the axial direction of the above-mentioned first fulcrum, the above-mentioned third fulcrum is arranged on the opposite side of the above-mentioned back side relative to the above-mentioned display panel, that is, the display surface side of the above-mentioned display panel.

[0193] The display device involved in mode 3 of the present invention can also be configured as follows: in the above-mentioned mode 1 or 2, in a plane with the axial direction of the above-mentioned first fulcrum as the normal direction, the above-mentioned first fulcrum, the above-mentioned second fulcrum and the above-mentioned third fulcrum are arranged in a manner to be depicted as the following triangle: an isosceles triangle with equal lengths of (i) a first side connecting the rotation axis of the above-mentioned first fulcrum and the rotation axis of the above-mentioned third fulcrum and (ii) a second side connecting the rotation axis of the above-mentioned second fulcrum and the rotation axis of the above-mentioned third fulcrum.

[0194] The display device involved in mode 4 of the present invention can also be configured as follows: in any one of the above-mentioned modes 1 to 3, in a plane with the axial direction of the first fulcrum as the normal direction, the above-mentioned first fulcrum, the above-mentioned second fulcrum and the above-mentioned third fulcrum are arranged in a manner to be depicted as the following triangle: the length of the third side connecting the rotation axis of the first fulcrum and the rotation axis of the second fulcrum is twice the distance of the rotation axis of the third fulcrum from the center point of the third side.

[0195] The display device involved in mode 5 of the present invention can also be configured as follows: in any one of the above-mentioned modes 1 to 3, in a plane with the axial direction of the above-mentioned first fulcrum as the normal direction, the above-mentioned first fulcrum, the above-mentioned second fulcrum and the above-mentioned third fulcrum are arranged in a manner to be depicted as the following triangle: the length of the third side connecting the rotation axis of the above-mentioned first fulcrum and the rotation axis of the above-mentioned second fulcrum is longer than twice the distance of the rotation axis of the above-mentioned third fulcrum from the center point of the above-mentioned third side.

[0196] The display device involved in mode 6 of the present invention can also be constructed as follows: in any one of the above-mentioned modes 1 to 5, the above-mentioned first cover member and the above-mentioned second cover member respectively have a first main surface opposite to the above-mentioned display panel and a second main surface on the opposite side of the above-mentioned first main surface, and when the above-mentioned shell unit is opened so that the above-mentioned display panel is in a state of being opened 180 degrees, the rotation axis of the above-mentioned third fulcrum is located on the same plane as the above-mentioned second main surface of the above-mentioned first cover member, and is located on the same plane as the above-mentioned second main surface of the above-mentioned second cover member.

[0197] The display device involved in mode 7 of the present invention can also be configured as: in any one of the above-mentioned modes 1 to 5, it also includes a functional film, the above-mentioned first cover member and the above-mentioned second cover member respectively have a first main surface opposite to the above-mentioned display panel and a second main surface on the opposite side of the above-mentioned first main surface, the above-mentioned functional film has a first part adhered to the above-mentioned second main surface of the above-mentioned first cover member and a second part adhered to the above-mentioned second main surface of the above-mentioned second cover member, when the above-mentioned shell unit is opened so that the above-mentioned display panel is in a state of being opened 180 degrees, the above-mentioned functional film overlaps with the display area of ​​the above-mentioned display panel.

[0198] The display device involved in mode 8 of the present invention can also be configured as follows: in the above-mentioned mode 7, when the above-mentioned shell unit is opened so that the above-mentioned display panel is opened 180 degrees, the rotation axis of the above-mentioned third fulcrum is located on the center plane of the thickness direction of the above-mentioned functional film.

[0199] The display device involved in mode 9 of the present invention can also be constructed as follows: in the above-mentioned mode 6 or 8, the above-mentioned first cover member and the above-mentioned second cover member each also have a side surface perpendicular to the above-mentioned second main surface, when the above-mentioned shell unit is opened so that the above-mentioned display panel is in a state of 180 degrees opening, the above-mentioned side surface of the above-mentioned first cover member is opposite to the above-mentioned side surface of the above-mentioned second cover member, and the rotation axis of the above-mentioned third fulcrum is located on the same plane as the above-mentioned side surface of the above-mentioned first cover member, and is located on the same plane as the above-mentioned side surface of the above-mentioned second cover member.

[0200] The display device involved in mode 10 of the present invention can also be configured as follows: in any one of the above-mentioned modes 1 to 9, in each of the above-mentioned first cover member and the above-mentioned second cover member, the first corner formed by the first main surface opposite to the above-mentioned display panel and the side surface close to the above-mentioned hinge member is R-chamfered.

[0201] The display device according to aspect 11 of the present invention may be configured as follows: in aspect 10, in each of the first cover member and the second cover member, a second corner formed by a second main surface on the opposite side of the first main surface and the side surface is rounded.

[0202] The display device according to aspect 12 of the present invention may be configured such that, in aspect 11, an R value of the R chamfer of the first corner portion is greater than an R value of the R chamfer of the second corner portion.

[0203] The display device involved in mode 13 of the present invention can also be configured as follows: in any one of the above-mentioned modes 1 to 12, the above-mentioned hinge component includes: a first mounting portion, which is connected to the first side portion, and the above-mentioned first side portion is one side end portion of the above-mentioned ends of the above-mentioned first shell and the above-mentioned second shell; a second mounting portion, which is connected to the second side portion, and the above-mentioned second side portion is the opposite side of the above-mentioned one side of the above-mentioned ends of the above-mentioned first shell and the above-mentioned second shell, that is, the other side end portion; and a connecting portion, which is connected between the above-mentioned first mounting portion and the above-mentioned second mounting portion, and the surface opposite to the above-mentioned display panel is a plane, and when the above-mentioned shell unit is folded and closed so that the above-mentioned display panel is in a folded state, the above-mentioned display panel abuts against the above-mentioned connecting portion.

[0204] The display device involved in mode 14 of the present invention can also be constructed as follows: in any one of the above-mentioned modes 1 to 13, the above-mentioned first shell has a first eave portion, and when the above-mentioned shell unit is opened so that the above-mentioned display panel is in a state of 180 degrees opening, the above-mentioned second end portion of the above-mentioned first cover holding member overlaps with the above-mentioned first eave portion, and the above-mentioned second shell has a second eave portion, and when the above-mentioned shell unit is opened so that the above-mentioned display panel is in a state of 180 degrees opening, the above-mentioned second end portion of the above-mentioned second cover holding member overlaps with the above-mentioned second eave portion.

[0205] The display device involved in mode 15 of the present invention can also be constructed as follows: in the above-mentioned mode 14, when the above-mentioned shell unit is opened so that the above-mentioned display panel is opened 180 degrees, the end of the above-mentioned first cover member overlaps with the above-mentioned first eaves, and when the above-mentioned shell unit is opened so that the above-mentioned display panel is opened 180 degrees, the end of the above-mentioned second cover member overlaps with the above-mentioned second eaves.

[0206] A display device according to aspect 16 of the present invention may be configured such that, in any one of aspects 1 to 15, at least one of the first cover member and the second cover member is slidable relative to the display panel.

[0207] The display device involved in mode 17 of the present invention can also be constructed as follows: in the above-mentioned mode 16, the above-mentioned second end portion of the above-mentioned first cover retaining member and one of the above-mentioned first shell are provided with a protrusion, and the above-mentioned second end portion of the above-mentioned first cover retaining member and the other of the above-mentioned first shell are provided with a long hole, and the above-mentioned long hole allows the above-mentioned protrusion to be slidably embedded.

[0208] The display device involved in mode 18 of the present invention can also be configured as follows: in the above-mentioned mode 17, when the above-mentioned shell unit is folded and closed so that the above-mentioned display panel is in a folded state, the above-mentioned second end portion of the above-mentioned first cover retaining member is located at the farthest position from the rotation axis of the above-mentioned first fulcrum within the sliding range.

[0209] The display device involved in mode 19 of the present invention can also be configured as follows: in the above-mentioned mode 17 or 18, when the above-mentioned shell unit is opened so that the above-mentioned display panel is in a state of being opened 180 degrees, the above-mentioned second end portion of the above-mentioned first cover retaining member is located at the position closest to the rotation axis of the above-mentioned first fulcrum within the sliding range.

[0210] The display device involved in mode 20 of the present invention can also be configured as follows: in any one of the above modes 1 to 19, the first end of the above display panel is fixed to the above first shell, and the second end of the above display panel on the opposite side of the above first end is fixed to the above second shell.

[0211] The display device involved in mode 21 of the present invention can also be configured as follows: in the above-mentioned mode 20, the above-mentioned first end portion of the above-mentioned display panel can be slidably fixed to the above-mentioned first shell, or the above-mentioned second end portion of the above-mentioned display panel can be slidably fixed to the above-mentioned second shell.

[0212] The display device according to aspect 22 of the present invention may be configured as follows: in aspect 21, the first housing has a first adhesive plate, and the first end portion of the display panel is fixed to the first housing via the first adhesive plate.

[0213] The display device according to aspect 23 of the present invention may be configured as follows: in aspect 21, the second housing has a second adhesive plate, and the second end portion of the display panel is fixed to the second housing via the second adhesive plate.

[0214] The display device involved in mode 24 of the present invention can also be constructed as follows: in the above-mentioned mode 20, the above-mentioned first shell has a first adhesive plate, and the above-mentioned first adhesive plate fixes the above-mentioned first end of the above-mentioned display panel; the above-mentioned second shell has a flat second adhesive plate, and the above-mentioned second adhesive plate fixes the above-mentioned second end of the above-mentioned display panel.

[0215] The display device involved in mode 25 of the present invention can also be configured as follows: in the above-mentioned mode 24, the above-mentioned second pasting plate is formed to be able to slide along the above-mentioned second shell in a direction parallel to the pasting surface of the above-mentioned display panel on the above-mentioned second pasting plate and perpendicular to the axis along which the above-mentioned shell unit is folded.

[0216] The display device involved in mode 26 of the present invention can also be constructed as follows: in the above-mentioned mode 25, the above-mentioned shell unit also has an elastic member, and the above-mentioned elastic member is arranged between the surface of the above-mentioned second pasting plate opposite to the pasting surface of the above-mentioned display panel and the surface of the above-mentioned second shell opposite to the above-mentioned opposite surface, so that the above-mentioned elastic member can be extended and retracted in a direction parallel to the pasting surface of the above-mentioned display panel on the above-mentioned second pasting plate and perpendicular to the axis along which the above-mentioned shell unit is folded.

[0217] A display device according to aspect 27 of the present invention may be configured such that, in aspect 26, the elastic member has tension in a direction that moves the second attachment plate away from the hinge member.

[0218] The display device involved in mode 28 of the present invention can also be constructed as follows: in any one of the above-mentioned modes 1 to 27, when the above-mentioned shell unit is folded and closed so that the above-mentioned display panel is in a folded state, the above-mentioned shell unit accommodates the bulge of the bent portion of the above-mentioned display panel and is constructed in a manner of forming a space surrounded by the above-mentioned hinge member, the above-mentioned first shell, the above-mentioned second shell, the above-mentioned first cover member and the above-mentioned second cover member.

[0219] A display device according to aspect 29 of the present invention may be configured such that, in any one of aspects 1 to 28, the display panel includes a touch panel.

[0220] The display device according to aspect 30 of the present invention may be configured as follows: in any one of aspects 1 to 29, both the first cover member and the second cover member are cover glasses.

[0221] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of the claims. The embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Moreover, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical methods disclosed in each embodiment.

[0222] Description of Reference Numerals

[0223] 1 Display device

[0224] 2 Shell elements

[0225] 3 Display Panel

[0226] 11. First Shell

[0227] 11c, 11d side wall (first side portion, second side portion)

[0228] 11g Long hole (first long hole)

[0229] 12 Second shell

[0230] 12c, 12d side wall (first side portion, second side portion)

[0231] 12g Long hole (second long hole)

[0232] 13 hinge member

[0233] 16 First Pasteboard

[0234] 17 Second Pasteboard

[0235] 18 First axis (first fulcrum)

[0236] 19 Second axis (second fulcrum)

[0237] 20 Third axis (third fulcrum)

[0238] 24 Spring (elastic component)

[0239] 37 Touch Panel

[0240] 51 first cover glass (first cover member)

[0241] 51a Side

[0242] 52 second cover glass (second cover member)

[0243] 52a Side

[0244] 53 first cover holding member

[0245] 53e protrusion (first protrusion)

[0246] 54 second cover holding member

[0247] 54e protrusion (second protrusion)

[0248] 55 Functional film

[0249] 55a Center plane

[0250] 56 First eaves

[0251] 57 Second eaves

[0252] 131 First Installation Section

[0253] 132 Second installation part

[0254] 133 Connection

[0255] D3: The distance between the rotation axis of the third axis and the center point of the third side

[0256] L The length of the third side

[0257] P1, P2, P3 Rotation axis

[0258] R1、R2 R value

Claims

1. A display device comprising a foldable housing unit and a flexible display panel, wherein: The display panel has a first display area and a second display area adjacent to the first display area. The housing unit comprises: a hinge member; A first housing and a second housing connected to each other via the one hinge member; a first cover holding member and a second cover holding member connected to each other and to the one hinge member; a first cover member, which is held by the first cover holding member and covers a display surface of the first display area of ​​the display panel; a second cover member held by the second cover holding member and covering a display surface of the second display area of ​​the display panel; a first fulcrum connecting the one hinge member and an end of the first housing in a manner that the one hinge member and the first housing are relatively rotatable; a second fulcrum connecting the one hinge member and an end of the second housing in a manner that the one hinge member and the second housing are relatively rotatable; as well as a third fulcrum connecting the one hinge member, the first end portion of the first cover holding member, and the first end portion of the second cover holding member in a manner that the one hinge member, the first cover holding member, and the second cover holding member are relatively rotatable, A second end portion of the first cover holding member opposite to the first end portion is slidably connected to the first housing. A second end portion of the second cover holding member opposite to the first end portion is slidably connected to the second housing. The one hinge member is respectively connected to the first shell, the second shell, the first cover holding member and the second cover holding member, the one hinge member and the first shell can rotate relative to each other around the first fulcrum, the one hinge member and the second shell can rotate relative to each other around the second fulcrum, the one hinge member, the first cover holding member and the second cover holding member can rotate relative to each other around the third fulcrum, and when the display device is unfolded 180 degrees, the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum are arranged on the back side of the display panel, and the third fulcrum is arranged on the opposite side of the back side, that is, the display surface side of the display panel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that In a plane with the axial direction of the first fulcrum as the normal direction, the first fulcrum, the second fulcrum, and the third fulcrum are arranged in a manner to be described as the following triangle: an isosceles triangle in which (i) a first side connecting the rotation axis of the first fulcrum and the rotation axis of the third fulcrum and (ii) a second side connecting the rotation axis of the second fulcrum and the rotation axis of the third fulcrum are of equal length.

3. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that In a plane with the axial direction of the first fulcrum as the normal direction, the first fulcrum, the second fulcrum and the third fulcrum are arranged in a manner to be depicted as a triangle as follows: the length of the third side connecting the rotation axis of the first fulcrum and the rotation axis of the second fulcrum is twice the distance of the rotation axis of the third fulcrum from the center point of the third side.

4. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that In a plane with the axial direction of the first fulcrum as the normal direction, the first fulcrum, the second fulcrum, and the third fulcrum are arranged in a manner to be depicted as a triangle as follows: a triangle in which the length of the third side connecting the rotation axis of the first fulcrum and the rotation axis of the second fulcrum is longer than twice the distance of the rotation axis of the third fulcrum from the center point of the third side.

5. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first cover member and the second cover member each have a first main surface facing the display panel and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface. When the housing unit is opened so that the display panel is opened 180 degrees, the rotation axis of the third fulcrum is located on the same plane as the first main surface of the first cover member and on the same plane as the second main surface of the second cover member.

6. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: It also contains a functional film. The first cover member and the second cover member each have a first main surface facing the display panel and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface. The functional film includes a first portion attached to the second main surface of the first cover member and a second portion attached to the second main surface of the second cover member. When the housing unit is opened so that the display panel is opened 180 degrees, the functional film overlaps with a display area of ​​the display panel.

7. The display device according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the housing unit is opened so that the display panel is opened 180 degrees, the rotation axis of the third fulcrum is located on the center plane in the thickness direction of the functional film.

8. The display device according to claim 5, characterized in that The first cover member and the second cover member each further have a side surface perpendicular to the second main surface, When the housing unit is opened so that the display panel is opened 180 degrees, the side surface of the first cover member faces the side surface of the second cover member. The rotation axis of the third fulcrum is located on the same plane as the side surface of the first cover member, and is located on the same plane as the side surface of the second cover member.

9. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: In each of the first cover member and the second cover member, a first corner formed by a first main surface facing the display panel and a side surface on the hinge member side is rounded.

10. The display device according to claim 9, characterized in that: In each of the first cover member and the second cover member, a second corner formed by a second main surface on the opposite side of the first main surface and the side surface is rounded.

11. The display device according to claim 10, characterized in that: An R value of the R chamfer of the first corner portion is greater than an R value of the R chamfer of the second corner portion.

12. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The hinge member comprises: A first mounting portion connected to a first side portion, wherein the first side portion is one end portion of the ends of the first shell and the second shell; A second mounting portion connected to a second side portion, the second side portion being an end portion on the other side opposite to the one side of the ends of the first shell and the second shell; and a connecting portion connected between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, and having a surface opposite to the display panel being a flat surface, When the housing unit is folded and closed so that the display panel is in a folded state, the display panel abuts against the connection portion.

13. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first shell has a first eaves portion, When the housing unit is opened so that the display panel is opened 180 degrees, the second end portion of the first cover holding member overlaps with the first eaves portion. The second shell has a second eaves portion, When the housing unit is opened so that the display panel is opened 180 degrees, the second end portion of the second cover holding member overlaps the second eaves portion.

14. The display device according to claim 13, characterized in that: When the housing unit is opened so that the display panel is opened 180 degrees, an end portion of the first cover member overlaps with the first eaves portion. When the housing unit is opened so that the display panel is opened 180 degrees, an end portion of the second cover member overlaps with the second eaves portion.

15. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: At least one of the first cover member and the second cover member is slidable relative to the display panel.

16. The display device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The second end of the first cover holding member and one of the first housing are provided with a protrusion, The other of the second end portion of the first cover holding member and the first housing is provided with a long hole into which the protrusion is slidably fitted.

17. The display device according to claim 16, characterized in that: When the housing unit is folded and closed so that the display panel is in a folded state, The second end portion of the first cover holding member is located at a position farthest from the rotation axis of the first fulcrum within a slidable range.

18. The display device according to claim 16, characterized in that: When the housing unit is opened so that the display panel is opened 180 degrees, The second end portion of the first cover holding member is located closest to the rotation axis of the first fulcrum within a slidable range.

19. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first end of the display panel is fixed to the first housing. A second end portion of the display panel opposite to the first end portion is fixed to the second housing.

20. The display device according to claim 19, characterized in that The first end of the display panel can be slidably fixed to the first housing, or, The second end portion of the display panel is slidably fixed to the second housing.

21. The display device according to claim 20, characterized in that The first shell has a first adhesive plate, The first end portion of the display panel is fixed to the first housing via the first adhesive plate.

22. The display device according to claim 20, characterized in that The second shell has a second adhesive plate, The second end portion of the display panel is fixed to the second housing via the second adhesive plate.

23. The display device according to claim 19, characterized in that The first housing has a first adhesive plate, and the first adhesive plate fixes the first end of the display panel. The second housing has a flat second adhesive plate, and the second adhesive plate fixes the second end of the display panel.

24. The display device according to claim 23, characterized in that The second attachment plate is formed to be slidable along the second housing in a direction parallel to an attachment surface of the display panel on the second attachment plate and perpendicular to an axis along which the housing unit is folded.

25. The display device according to claim 24, characterized in that: The shell unit also has an elastic member, which is arranged between a surface of the second pasting plate opposite to the pasting surface of the display panel and a surface of the second shell opposite to the opposite surface, so that the elastic member can expand and contract in a direction parallel to the pasting surface of the display panel on the second pasting plate and perpendicular to the axis along which the shell unit is folded.

26. The display device according to claim 25, characterized in that The elastic member has tension in a direction that causes the second pasting plate to move away from the hinge member.

27. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: When the shell unit is folded and closed so that the display panel is in a folded state, the shell unit accommodates the bulging of the bent portion of the display panel and is constructed in a manner to form a space surrounded by the hinge member, the first shell, the second shell, the first cover member and the second cover member.

28. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The display panel has a touch panel.

29. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first cover member and the second cover member are both cover glasses.

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