Rollable display device

Abstract

A rollable display device includes: a flexible display module configured to display an image; a roller configured to roll up the flexible display module; and a plurality of sets of support blocks, each of the plurality of sets of support blocks including a plurality of support blocks located on the flexible display module and arranged in a first direction intersecting a second direction along the rolling axis of the roller, the plurality of sets of support blocks including a first set of support blocks having first support blocks and a second set of support blocks having second support blocks, wherein each of the second support blocks has a width in the first direction greater than the width in the first direction of the corresponding first support block in the first set of support blocks, and wherein the first set of support blocks is located between the roller and the second set of support blocks.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2015 - 0020434, filed on Feb. 10, 2015, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a rollable display device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a rollable display device having a structure for maintaining a deployed state of a flexible display panel. Background art

[0004] In recent years, bendable or foldable display panels (hereinafter referred to as flexible display panels) have been actively developed. In addition, foldable or rollable display devices using flexible display panels have been proposed.

[0005] The flexible display panel of the rollable display device can display an image while being in a deployed state. When the use of the rollable display device is finished, the rollable display device can be rolled up. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a rollable display device capable of maintaining a deployed state of a flexible display panel.

[0007] Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a rollable display device including: a flexible display module configured to display an image; a roller configured to roll up the flexible display module; and a plurality of support block groups, each of the plurality of support block groups including a plurality of support blocks located on the flexible display module and arranged in a first direction that intersects a second direction along a rolling axis of the roller. The plurality of support block groups include a first support block group having first support blocks and a second support block group having second support blocks, wherein each of the second support blocks has a width greater than a width of a corresponding first support block of the first support blocks in the first direction, and wherein the first support block group is located between the roller and the second support block group.

[0008] The roller may have a polygonal column shape including n side surfaces, where n is a natural number equal to or greater than 3.

[0009] The first support block group may include n - 1 first support blocks, and the second support block group may include n second support blocks.

[0010] The first support block group may include n first support blocks, and the second support block group may include n second support blocks.

[0011] Each of the n first support blocks may include a magnetic support block, and each of the n second support blocks may include a metallic support block.

[0012] Each of the first support blocks and the second support blocks may include a magnetic support block, wherein adjacent first support blocks among the first support blocks may have magnetic poles arranged oppositely with respect to a second direction, and adjacent second support blocks among the second support blocks may have magnetic poles arranged oppositely with respect to the second direction.

[0013] Each of the first support blocks and the second support blocks may include a magnetic portion and a non-magnetic portion adjacent to the magnetic portion.

[0014] Each of the first support blocks and the second support blocks may include a first support portion and a second support portion spaced apart from the first support portion in a second direction.

[0015] Each of the first support blocks and the second support blocks may include a non-magnetic support block to which a magnetic material is coupled.

[0016] The roller may have a polygonal column shape including 2n - 1 side surfaces, where n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2. The first support block group may include 2n - 1 first support blocks, where the 2n - 1 first support blocks include alternately arranged magnetic support blocks and non-magnetic support blocks, and the second support block group may include 2n - 1 second support blocks, where the 2n - 1 second support blocks include alternately arranged magnetic support blocks and non-magnetic support blocks.

[0017] One of the alternately arranged magnetic support blocks and non-magnetic support blocks may include a metallic support block.

[0018] The roller may have a polygonal column shape including 2n side surfaces, where n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2. The first support block group may include 2n first support blocks, where the 2n first support blocks include at least one magnetic support block, and the second support block group may include 2n second support blocks, where the 2n second support blocks include at least one magnetic support block.

[0019] The first to the 2n - 1th support blocks of the 2n first support blocks may include magnetic support blocks, the 2nth support block of the 2n first support blocks may include a metallic support block, the first to the 2n - 1th support blocks of the 2n second support blocks may include magnetic support blocks, and the 2nth support block of the 2n second support blocks may include a metallic support block.

[0020] The magnetic poles of the magnetic support blocks of the first support blocks may be arranged to be opposite to the magnetic poles of the magnetic support blocks of the second support blocks in a first direction.

[0021] The first support blocks may include alternately arranged magnetic support blocks and metallic support blocks, the second support blocks may include alternately arranged magnetic support blocks and metallic support blocks, and the magnetic poles of the magnetic support blocks of the first support blocks may be arranged to be opposite to the magnetic poles of the magnetic support blocks of the second support blocks in a first direction.

[0022] The first support blocks may include alternately arranged magnetic support blocks and metallic support blocks, the second support blocks may include alternately arranged magnetic support blocks and metallic support blocks, and the order of the alternately arranged magnetic support blocks and metallic support blocks of the first support blocks may be opposite to the order of the alternately arranged magnetic support blocks and metallic support blocks of the second support blocks.

[0023] The rollable display device may further include a housing that houses a roller, and the housing defines a slit through which the flexible display module is configured to pass.

[0024] The flexible display module may include a display panel, a touch panel located on the display panel, and a window member located on the touch panel.

[0025] Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a rollable display device including: a flexible display module configured to display an image; a roller configured to roll up the flexible display module; a plurality of first support blocks located on the flexible display module, each of the plurality of first support blocks having a width within a first range in a first direction that intersects a second direction along a winding axis of the roller; and a plurality of second support blocks located on the flexible display module, each of the plurality of second support blocks having a width within a second range larger than the first range in the first direction, wherein the first support blocks are located between the roller and the second support blocks.

[0026] When the flexible display module is unfolded from the roller, adjacent first support blocks and second support blocks among the first support blocks and the second support blocks may contact each other.

[0027] According to the above, the support blocks of the second support block group wound on the roller define a polygon shape larger than the polygon shape defined by the support blocks of the first support block group. The polygon shape increases from the first support block group to the m-th support block group. Accordingly, the flexible display module is regularly wound on the roller.

[0028] The unfolded state of the flexible display module is stably maintained by the gravitational force between the magnetic support blocks and / or the gravitational force between the magnetic support blocks and the metallic support blocks.

[0029] When the arrangement of the magnetic support blocks is controlled, deformation due to the repulsive force generated between the overlapping magnetic support blocks can be prevented. Description of the Drawings

[0030] The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a rollable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2A is a side view showing the rollable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state;

[0033] Figure 2B is a side view showing the rollable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in a rolled-up state;

[0034] Figure 2C is an enlarged side view showing a support block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2D is an enlarged plan view showing a support block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view showing a flexible display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view showing a flexible display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a side view showing the rollable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in a rolled-up state;

[0039] Figures 5A to 5C is a side view showing a support block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 6A is a view showing a part of the rollable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state;

[0041] Figure 6B is a view showing a part of the rollable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in a rolled-up state;

[0042] Figures 7 to 9 is a view showing many parts of the rollable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state;

[0043] Figure 10A and Figure 10Bis a view showing various parts of a rollable display device in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 11A is a view showing a part of a rollable display device in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 11B is a view showing a part of a rollable display device in a rolled-up state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 12A is a view showing a part of a rollable display device in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 12B is a view showing a part of a rollable display device in a rolled-up state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 13A is a view showing a part of a rollable display device in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 13B is a view showing a part of a rollable display device in a rolled-up state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 14A is a view showing a part of a rollable display device in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0051] Figure 14B is a view showing a part of a rollable display device in a rolled-up state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0052] The features of the inventive concept and the method of implementing it can be more easily understood by referring to the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. However, the inventive concept can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and throughout the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like elements. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited only to the embodiments illustrated herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the various aspects and features of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary for a person of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the various aspects and features of the present invention may not be described. Unless otherwise noted, throughout the drawings and the written description, like reference numerals indicate like elements and thus their description will not be repeated. In the drawings, the relative dimensions of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0053] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0054] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “under,” “above,” “upper,” etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It will be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different directions of the device in use and operation in addition to the directions depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as “below” or “beneath” or “under” other elements or features will then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms “below” and “under” can encompass both an above and a below direction. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0055] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there can be one or more intervening elements or layers. Further, it will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there can also be one or more intervening elements or layers.

[0056] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the invention. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. It will be further understood that when the terms "comprises", "comprising", "include", and "including" are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. When a phrase such as "at least one of..." follows a list of elements, the phrase modifies the entire list of elements, not individual elements in the list.

[0057] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximating terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations of values that would be recognized, measured, or calculated by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, when the term "may" is used in describing embodiments of the invention, it refers to "one or more embodiments of the invention". As used herein, the terms "use", "using", and "used" may be considered synonymous with "utilize", "utilizing", and "utilized", respectively. Further, the term "exemplary" is intended to indicate an example or illustration.

[0058] The electronic device or electrical device and / or any other relevant device or component according to the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application specific integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, various components of these devices can be formed on one integrated circuit (IC) chip or separate IC chips. Additionally, various components of these devices can be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, tape carrier package (TCP), printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on a substrate. Additionally, various components of these devices can be processes or threads that run on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, execute computer program instructions, and interact with other system components for performing various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in a memory, and the memory can be implemented in a computer device using standard storage devices such as random access memory (RAM) for example. The computer program instructions can also be stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media such as CD-ROM, flash drive, etc. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should recognize that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the functions of multiple computing devices can be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a particular computing device can be distributed over one or more other computing devices.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

[0060] Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a rollable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2A is a side view showing the rollable display device in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2B is a side view showing the rollable display device in a rolled-up state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2C is an enlarged side view showing a support block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2D is an enlarged plan view showing the support block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1 and Figures 2A to 2D, the rollable display device includes a flexible display module DM, a plurality of support blocks SB, a roller RL, and a housing HUS. A first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 that are substantially perpendicular to each other form a plane that is substantially parallel to the display surface of the flexible display module DM, and a third direction DR3 indicates the thickness direction of the flexible display module DM. A front surface FS and a rear surface LS (see Figure 2C ) of the flexible display module DM are defined and arranged along the third direction DR3. The front surface FS of the flexible display module DM, on which an image IM is displayed, is defined as the display surface.

[0063] The flexible display module DM and the support blocks SB are wound around the roller RL or unwound from the roller RL. The flexible display module DM can display the image IM while being in the unfolded state, and can gradually display the image IM while being unfolded. Hereinafter, the unfolded state of the flexible display module DM is referred to as the first mode, and the rolled-up state of the flexible display module DM is referred to as the second mode.

[0064] The rollable display device includes a holding member HM that is coupled to the flexible display module DM and is held by a user to allow the flexible display module DM to be unfolded. In the present exemplary embodiment, the rollable display device may further include a driving unit (e.g., a motor) to rotate the roller RL. When the roller RL is rotated by the driving unit, the holding member HM may be omitted.

[0065] Referring to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the roller RL is accommodated in the housing HUS. The roller RL is fixed within the housing HUS to be rotatable. The flexible display module DM and the support blocks SB can move into or out of the housing HUS via a slit HUS-ST formed through the housing HUS. At least one of the flexible display module DM and the support blocks SB is coupled to the roller RL. One end of the flexible display module DM, or one end of one of the support blocks SB located at the outermost position among the plurality of support blocks SB, may be coupled to the roller RL. Accordingly, the rollable display device may further include a structure for coupling at least one of the flexible display module DM and the support blocks SB to the roller RL. In addition, a communication module or a control module may be placed in the housing HUS after being mounted on a circuit board.

[0066] Referring to Figure 2A , in the first / unfolded mode, the support blocks SB contact adjacent support blocks SB to support the flexible display module DM. The contact of the support blocks SB with corresponding support blocks SB maintains the unfolded state of the flexible display module DM. As shown in Figure 2B , in the second / rolled-up mode, the support blocks SB operate independently and are at least partially separated from each other to allow the flexible display module DM to be rolled up (e.g., into a given shape).

[0067] In the present exemplary embodiment, the roller RL has a polygonal column shape having n side surfaces SS (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 3, for example 6). The term "polygonal column shape" as used herein should not be construed to limit the shape of the roller RL such that each side surface SS is limited to a flat surface. Although grooves or protrusions may be provided on the n side surfaces SS of the roller RL, the overall shape of the roller RL can be described as a polygonal column shape. In addition, the polygonal column shape may include a shape in which the inner portion of the column of the roller RL is hollow.

[0068] Figure 2A and Figure 2B shows the roller RL having a hexagonal column shape as a representative example. The roller RL may include a variety of materials (e.g., plastic materials, metallic materials, magnetic materials, etc.).

[0069] As Figures 2A to 2D shown, the support blocks SB are arranged on the rear surface LS of the flexible display module DM. The support blocks SB can be independently coupled to the rear surface LS of the flexible display module DM. In the present exemplary embodiment, each support block SB has a substantially rectangular plate shape. The support blocks SB may include plastic materials, metallic materials, or magnetic materials, but they should not be limited thereto or thereby restricted. The support blocks SB can be coupled to a buffer member, and the buffer member can be coupled to the rear surface LS of the flexible display module DM.

[0070] The support blocks SB are grouped into m support block groups SB1 to SBm (m is a natural number). Each of the support block groups SB1 to SBm includes support blocks SB arranged in a direction crossing the curling axis. For example, the curling axis may correspond to the second direction DR2, and the direction crossing the curling axis may correspond to the first direction DR1, where the roller RL extends in the second direction DR2.

[0071] In the first / unrolled mode, the first support block group SB1 among the support block groups SB1 to SBm is set closest to the roller RL, and the m-th support block group SBm is set farthest from the roller RL. Among the support blocks SB1-1 to SB1-5 of the first support block group SB1, the first support block SB1-1 can be coupled to the roller RL.

[0072] As Figure 2C shown, the support blocks SB have respective different widths W1 to Wm in the first direction DR1. The support blocks SB included in the same support block group among the support block groups SB1 to SBm may have the same width as each other.

[0073] Among the support blocks SB, the support blocks SB1-1 to SB1-5 of the first support block group SB1 have the smallest width W1, and the support blocks SBm-1 to SBm-6 of the m-th support block group SBm have the largest width Wm. The widths W1 to Wm of the support blocks SB can gradually increase from the first support block group SB1 to the m-th support block group SBm.

[0074] In the present exemplary embodiment, the support blocks SB of each of the support block groups SB1 to SBm may have different widths within respective different ranges. For example, the support blocks SB1-1 to SB1-5 of the first support block group SB1 have widths within a first range, the support blocks SB2-1 to SB2-6 of the second support block group SB2 have widths within a second range greater than the first range, and so on.

[0075] Specifically, when the support blocks SB1-1 to SB1-5 of the first support block group SB1 have widths ranging from about 1 cm to about 1.3 cm, the support blocks SB2-1 to SB2-6 of the second support block group SB2 have widths ranging from about 1.5 cm to about 1.8 cm, and the width ranges gradually increase from the first support block group SB1 to the m-th support block group SBm.

[0076] In another exemplary embodiment, the support blocks SB1-1 to SB1-5 of the first support block group SB1 may have different widths, and the support blocks SB2-1 to SB2-6 of the second support block group SB2 may have different widths. In this case, each of the support blocks SB2-1 to SB2-6 of the second support block group SB2 has a width greater than the width of the corresponding support block among the support blocks SB1-1 to SB1-5 of the first support block group SB1. Here, as Figure 2B shown, the corresponding support blocks SB included in the different support block groups SB1 to SBm are configured to overlap each other in the second / rolled-up mode. The support blocks SB of the first support block group SB1 to the m-th support block group SBm can be classified into corresponding groups according to the curled shape of the support blocks SB or according to the position / arrangement order of the support blocks SB in the support block groups SB1 to SBm.

[0077] Referring to Figure 2D , the length of the support block SB in the second direction DR2 can be substantially the same as the length of the flexible display module DM. This is because the support block SB sufficiently supports the flexible display module DM.

[0078] In the second / rolled-up mode, the support blocks SB2-1 to SB2-6 of the second support block group SB2 rolled on the roller RL define a hexagonal shape larger than the shape defined by the support blocks SB1-1 to SB1-5 of the first support block group SB1. The hexagonal shape increases in size from the first support block group SB1 to the m-th support block group SBm. Accordingly, the flexible display module DM is regularly curled for storage.

[0079] When the roller RL has a polygonal column shape with n side surfaces SS (refer to Figure 2A ), each of the support block groups SB1 to SBm includes n support blocks (although the first support block group SB1 of the present embodiment may have less than n support blocks). In order to allow the support blocks SB of each of the support block groups SB1 to SBm to define a hexagonal shape identical to the shape of the roller RL, each of the support block groups SB1 to SBm includes n support blocks equal in number to the side surfaces SS of the roller RL (although the first support block group SB1 of the present embodiment may have less than n support blocks).

[0080] As Figures 2A to 2D shown, when the roller RL has a hexagonal column shape, each of the support block groups SB2 to SBm except the first support block group SB1 includes six support blocks SB. That is, the first support block group SB1 arranged closest to the roller RL among the support block groups SB1 to SBm includes (n - 1) support blocks SB1-1 to SB1-5.

[0081] As Figure 2B shown, the support blocks SB1-1 to SB1-5 of the first support block group SB1 and the first support block SB2-1 of the second support block group SB2 define a polygonal shape or a spiral shape in the second / rolled-up mode. Since the first support block group SB1 includes (n - 1) support blocks fewer in number than the support blocks SB of the other support block groups SB2 to SBm, the smallest polygonal shape defined by each of the support block groups SB1 to SBm is closest to the roller RL. Therefore, the polygonal shapes defined by the other support block groups SB2 to SBm can be larger. However, it should be noted that, according to other embodiments, the first support block group SB1 may include n support blocks.

[0082] As Figure 2B shown, the roller RL includes a magnetic material, and the support blocks SB include a metallic material to stably maintain the rolled-up state of the support blocks SB in the second / rolled-up mode. In this case, the rolled-up shape of the flexible display module DM and the support blocks SB can be stably maintained or held by the magnetic force between the roller RL and the support blocks SB.

[0083] Figure 3Ais a cross-sectional view showing a flexible display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view showing a flexible display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Referring to Figure 3A , the flexible display module DM includes a window member 100, a display panel 200, and a touch panel 300. The flexible display module DM may further include optical members (e.g., retardation plates, polarizing plates, etc.).

[0085] The window member 100 includes a base member 100-BS and a black matrix BM. The black matrix BM is disposed on the rear surface of the base member 100-BS to define a non-display area. The base member 100-BS may include a glass substrate, a sapphire substrate, or a plastic film. The black matrix BM may be formed of a colored organic layer by a coating method. Additionally, the window member 100 may further include a functional coating layer disposed on the entire surface of the base member 100-BS. The functional coating layer may include an anti-fingerprint layer, an anti-reflection layer, a hard coating layer, etc.

[0086] The display panel 200 is configured to display an image IM corresponding to image data input to the display panel 200 (refer to Figure 1 ). The display panel 200 may be, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting display panel, which will be described in detail later.

[0087] The touch panel 300 is configured to obtain coordinate information of a position where a touch event occurs. The touch panel 300 may be, for example, a resistive film type touch panel, a capacitive touch panel, or an electromagnetic induction type touch panel.

[0088] The window member 100 and the touch panel 300 may be coupled to each other through an optically transparent adhesive film OCA1, and the touch panel 300 and the display panel 200 may also be coupled to each other through an optically transparent adhesive film OCA2. In another exemplary embodiment, one of the two optically transparent adhesive films OCA1 and OCA2 may be omitted. For example, when the display panel 200 and the touch panel 300 are manufactured by a continuous process, the touch panel 300 may be directly located on the display panel 200.

[0089] Referring to Figure 3B , the display panel 200 may include a base member 200-BS, a circuit layer 200-CL, a device layer 200-EL, and a packaging layer 200-ECL. A support block SB (refer to Figures 2A to 2D ) may be coupled to the rear surface of the base member 200-BS.

[0090] The base member 200 - BS includes at least one plastic film, and may include two plastic films, together with an inorganic layer, a silicon nitride layer, and / or a silicon oxide layer, where the inorganic layer, the silicon nitride layer, and / or the silicon oxide layer may be disposed between the two plastic films. The base member 200 - BS includes at least one of polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethersulfone (PES), and / or fiber - reinforced plastic (FRP).

[0091] The circuit layer 200 - CL includes a plurality of signal lines and electronic devices disposed on the display panel 200. In addition, the circuit layer 200 - CL includes a plurality of insulating layers to insulate the signal lines from the electronic devices. The circuit layer 200 - CL includes circuits for pixels (e.g., at least one thin - film transistor and a capacitor).

[0092] The device layer 200 - EL includes display devices (e.g., organic light - emitting diodes), and may further include elements for supporting the organic light - emitting diodes.

[0093] The encapsulation layer 200 - ECL seals the device layer 200 - EL, and includes one or more inorganic thin layers or one or more organic thin layers. In the present exemplary embodiment, the encapsulation layer 200 - ECL may be replaced by an encapsulation substrate.

[0094] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are side views of a roll - up display device in a rolled - up state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the same reference numerals indicate elements identical to those in Figures 1 to 3B and thus a detailed description of the identical elements will be omitted.

[0095] Referring to Figure 4A , different from the roller RL described above (refer to Figures 2A to 2D ), the roller RL - 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment may have a substantially cylindrical shape. Referring to Figure 4A , although the roller RL - 10 has a cylindrical shape, each of the support - block groups SB1 to SBm defines a corresponding polygonal shape in the second / rolled - up mode. This is because the support - block groups SB1 to SBm include substantially the same number of support blocks SB, and the support blocks SB of each of the support - block groups SB1 to SBm have different widths from each other.

[0096] Referring to Figure 4B , different from the roller RL described with reference to Figures 2A to 2D , the roller RL - 20 according to the present exemplary embodiment may have a polygonal shape with an odd number of side surfaces SS. Referring to Figure 4B, the roller RL-20 has a pentagonal column shape. The support block SB of each of the support block groups SB1 to SBm defines a pentagonal shape in the second / rolling-up mode.

[0097] Figures 5A to 5C is a side view showing a support block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 5A to 5C respectively show the support blocks SB included in the support block groups SB-1, SB-2, and SB-3. In Figures 5A to 5C , the same reference numerals indicate elements identical to those in Figures 1 to 3B , and thus detailed descriptions of the same elements will be omitted.

[0098] As described above, the support blocks SB that contact each other in the first / unfolding mode may have a substantially rectangular plate shape. As shown in Figures 5A to 5C , the shape of the support blocks can be changed while two adjacent support blocks still contact each other in the second / rolling-up mode.

[0099] Referring to Figure 5A , the support block group SB-1 includes two types of support blocks SB-G1 and SB-G2. When viewed in the second direction DR2, one of the two support blocks SB-G1 and SB-G2, the support block SB-G1, has an isosceles trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, and the other support block SB-G2 of the two support blocks SB-G1 and SB-G2 has a shape similar to the shape of the support block SB-G1, although the isosceles trapezoidal cross-sectional shape is inverted with respect to the third direction DR3. The two support blocks SB-G1 and SB-G2 have substantially the same height or thickness in the third direction DR3 and are arranged alternately with each other.

[0100] Referring to Figure 5B , the support block group SB-2 includes two types of support blocks SB-G10 and SB-G20. When viewed from the second direction DR2, one of the two support blocks SB-G10 and SB-G20, the support block SB-G10, has a triangular cross-sectional shape, and when viewed from the second direction DR2, the other support block SB-G20 of the two support blocks SB-G10 and SB-G20 has an isosceles trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The two support blocks SB-G10 and SB-G20 have substantially the same height or thickness in the third direction DR3. The two support blocks SB-G10 and SB-G20 are arranged alternately with each other.

[0101] Referring to Figure 5C , the support block group SB-3 includes support blocks each having a shape deformed from a rectangular plate shape. When viewed from the second direction DR2, the cross-section of each of the support blocks includes an upper surface, two substantially parallel side surfaces, and a lower surface that is opposite to the upper surface and curved.

[0102] Figure 6A is a view showing a part of a rollable display device in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6B is a view showing a part of a rollable display device in a rolled-up state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 6A and Figure 6B the same reference numerals indicate elements identical to those in Figures 1 to 5C and thus a detailed description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0103] Referring to Figure 6A and Figure 6B the support block groups SB1 to SBm include a magnetic support block group and a metallic support block group. For example, the magnetic support block group corresponds to the odd-numbered support block groups SB1 and SB3 among the support block groups SB1 to SBm, and the metallic support block group corresponds to the even-numbered support block groups SB2 and SBm among the support block groups SB1 to SBm.

[0104] The support blocks SB-MA of the magnetic support block groups SB1 and SB3 include a magnetic material, and at least a part of the support blocks SB-MA of the magnetic support block groups SB1 and SB3 may be a magnetic material. The support blocks SB-ME of the metallic support block groups SB2 and SBm include a metallic material, and at least a part of the support blocks SB-ME of the metallic support block groups SB2 and SBm may be a metallic material.

[0105] The support blocks SB-MA of the magnetic support block groups SB1 and SB3 are in contact with each other in the first / unfolded mode and are stably coupled to each other by magnetic force. The support blocks SB-MA of the magnetic support block groups SB1 and SB3 are coupled to the support blocks SB-ME of the metallic support block groups SB2 and SBm by magnetic force in the second / rolled-up mode.

[0106] Figures 7 to 9 is a view showing many parts of a rollable display device in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figures 7 to 9 the same reference numerals indicate elements identical to those in Figures 1 to 6B and thus a detailed description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0107] Figures 7 to 9Two consecutive groups of support blocks are shown. Among the support block groups SB1 to SBm, the second support block group SB2 and the third support block group SB3 will be described in detail as representative examples of the even-numbered support block groups and the odd-numbered support block groups, respectively. The even-numbered support block groups have a structure substantially the same as that of the second support block group SB2, and the odd-numbered support block groups have a structure substantially the same as that of the third support block group SB3 (for example, except for the width, etc.).

[0108] Referring to Figure 7 , each of the support blocks in the second support block group SB2 includes a magnetic material, and each of the support blocks in the third support block group SB3 includes a magnetic material. The second support block group SB2 and the third support block group SB3 include two types of magnetic support blocks SB-MA1 and SB-MA2 arranged alternately with each other. The first magnetic support block SB-MA1 has a magnetic arrangement opposite to that of the second magnetic support block SB-MA2 with respect to the curling axis (i.e., the second direction DR2). That is, the magnetic poles of the magnetic support blocks SB-MA1 and SB-MA2 alternate with respect to the second direction DR2, and adjacent magnetic support blocks among the magnetic support blocks SB-MA1 and SB-MA2 have opposite magnetic poles with respect to the second direction DR2.

[0109] Referring to Figure 8 , each of the support blocks SB-H in the second support block group SB2 and the third support block group SB3 includes two magnetic portions MA1 and MA2 and a non-magnetic portion N-MA. The two magnetic portions MA1 and MA2 are separated from each other in the second direction DR2 and are placed on opposite sides of the non-magnetic portion N-MA disposed between the two magnetic portions MA1 and MA2, and the non-magnetic portion N-MA includes a metallic material.

[0110] Referring to Figure 9 , each of the support blocks SB-T in the second support block group SB2 and the third support block group SB3 includes a first support portion SB-S1 and a second support portion SB-S2 separated from each other in the second direction DR2. Each of the first support portion SB-S1 and the second support portion SB-S2 of each support block SB-T may include a magnetic material. Among the first support portions SB-S1 of the support blocks SB-T arranged in the first direction DR1, a part of the first support portion SB-S1 includes a magnetic material, and the other part or the remaining part of the first support portion SB-S1 includes a non-magnetic material (for example, a metallic material). Among the second support portions SB-S2 of the support blocks SB-T arranged in the first direction DR1, a part of the second support portion SB-S2 includes a magnetic material, and the other part or the remaining part of the second support portion SB-S2 includes a non-magnetic material (for example, a metallic material).

[0111] Figure 10A And Figure 10B is a view showing various parts of a rollable display device in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 10A and Figure 10B the same reference numerals indicate elements identical to those in Figures 1 to 9 and thus detailed descriptions of the same elements will be omitted.

[0112] Figure 10A and Figure 10B show two consecutive sets of support blocks. Among the sets of support blocks SB1 to SBm, the second set of support blocks SB2 and the third set of support blocks SB3 will be described in detail as representative examples of the even-numbered set of support blocks and the odd-numbered set of support blocks, respectively. The even-numbered set of support blocks has a structure substantially the same as that of the second set of support blocks SB2, and the odd-numbered set of support blocks has a structure substantially the same as that of the third set of support blocks SB3 (e.g., except for width, etc.).

[0113] Each of the second set of support blocks SB2 and the third set of support blocks SB3 includes non-magnetic support blocks, such as plastic support blocks or metallic support blocks. However, the support blocks of the second set of support blocks SB2 and the third set of support blocks SB3 may include magnetic substances. As shown in Figure 10A and Figure 10B two magnetic substances MA10 and MA20 separated from each other may be disposed on the rear surface of each support block. Each of the magnetic substances MA10 and MA20 has an area smaller than the area of the corresponding support block in the support block. Accordingly, the magnetic substances MA10 and MA20 of adjacent support blocks may be magnetically coupled in the first / unfolded mode.

[0114] Figure 11A is a view showing a part of a rollable display device in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 11B is a view showing a part of a rollable display device in a rolled-up state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 11A and Figure 11B the same reference numerals indicate elements identical to those in Figures 1 to 10B and thus detailed descriptions of the same elements will be omitted.

[0115] Figure 11A and Figure 11BTwo consecutive sets of support blocks are shown. Among the support block sets SB1 to SBm, the second support block set SB2 and the third support block set SB3 will be described in detail as representative examples of the even-numbered support block sets and the odd-numbered support block sets, respectively. The even-numbered support block sets have a structure that is substantially the same as the structure of the second support block set SB2, and the odd-numbered support block sets have a structure that is substantially the same as the structure of the third support block set SB3 (e.g., except for width, etc.).

[0116] Figure 11A and Figure 11B A roller RL-20 having a pentagonal column shape is shown as an example of a polygonal column shape defined by an odd number (e.g., 2n - 1, where n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) of side surfaces SS. Each of the second support block set SB2 and the third support block set SB3 includes two types of support blocks SB-MA and SB-ME. The first support block SB-MA is a magnetic support block, and the second support block SB-ME is a non-magnetic support block. The non-magnetic support block SB-ME can be a metallic support block.

[0117] The second support block set SB2 includes magnetic support blocks SB-MA and non-magnetic support blocks SB-ME that are alternately arranged with each other. The third support block set SB3 also includes magnetic support blocks SB-MA and non-magnetic support blocks SB-ME that are alternately arranged with each other. Among the support blocks of the second support block set SB2 and the support blocks of the third support block set SB3, (e.g., when the display device is in the unfolded state) two adjacent support blocks can have different properties. One of the two adjacent support blocks is a magnetic support block SB-MA, and the other of the two adjacent support blocks is a metallic support block SB-ME.

[0118] Referring to Figure 11B , the support blocks of the second support block set SB2 have properties different from the properties of the corresponding support blocks of the third support block set SB3 in the second / rolled-up mode (e.g., opposite or reversed magnetic properties). Accordingly, deformation due to the repulsive force that may be generated between magnetic support blocks (e.g., having aligned magnetic poles) that overlap each other can be prevented. Specifically, when the display device is in the second / rolled-up mode, when the magnetic support block SB-MA of the third support block set SB3 overlaps with the metallic support block SB-ME of the second support block set SB2, a magnetic attractive force is generated between the support blocks of the second support block set SB2 and the corresponding support blocks of the third support block set SB3.

[0119] A roller according to another exemplary embodiment may have a polygonal column shape defined by an even number of side surfaces SS, and each of the second support block group SB2 and the third support block group SB3 may include two types of support blocks SB-MA and SB-ME, wherein the first support block SB-MA is a magnetic support block, and the second support block SB-ME is a non-magnetic support block. The non-magnetic support block SB-ME may be a metallic support block, and the magnetic support block SB-MA may be arranged alternately with the non-magnetic support block SB-ME.

[0120] Figure 12A is a view showing a portion of a rollable display device in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 12B is a view showing a portion of a rollable display device in a rolled-up state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 13A is a view showing a portion of a rollable display device in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 13B is a view showing a portion of a rollable display device in a rolled-up state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 14A is a view showing a portion of a rollable display device in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 14B is a view showing a portion of a rollable display device in a rolled-up state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12A , Figure 12B , Figure 13A , Figure 13B , Figure 14A and Figure 14B The same reference numerals indicate Figures 1 to 11B The same elements as the elements in FIG. 1 are used herein, and thus detailed description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0121] Figure 12A , Figure 12B , Figure 13A , Figure 13B , Figure 14A and Figure 14B The roller RL having a hexagonal column shape is shown as an example of a polygonal column shape defined by an even number (for example, 2n, where n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) of side surfaces SS. Figure 12A , Figure 12B , Figure 13A , Figure 13B , Figure 14A and Figure 14BTwo consecutive groups of support blocks are shown. Among the support block groups SB1 to SBm, the second support block group SB2 and the third support block group SB3 will be described in detail as representative examples of the even-numbered support block group and the odd-numbered support block group, respectively. The even-numbered support block group has a structure that is substantially the same as the structure of the second support block group SB2, and the odd-numbered support block group has a structure that is substantially the same as the structure of the third support block group SB3 (e.g., except for width, etc.).

[0122] Referring Figure 12A and Figure 12B , some of the support blocks in each of the support blocks of the second support block group SB2 and the third support block group SB3 can be magnetic support blocks SB-MA. Among the six support blocks of the second support block group SB2, the first support block SB2-1 to the fifth support block SB2-5 are magnetic support blocks SB-MA, and the sixth support block SB2-6 is a non-magnetic support block SB-ME (e.g., a plastic support block or a metallic support block). The five magnetic support blocks SB-MA of the second support block group SB2 have the same magnetic arrangement. That is, only the last support block SB-ME is made of a non-magnetic material, and the other support blocks SB-MA are made of a magnetic material.

[0123] Among the six support blocks of the third support block group SB3, the first support block SB3-1 to the fifth support block SB3-5 are magnetic support blocks SB-MA, and the sixth support block SB3-6 is a metallic support block SB-ME. The five magnetic support blocks SB-MA of the third support block group SB3 have the same magnetic arrangement. In this case, the five magnetic support blocks SB-MA of the third support block group SB3 have a magnetic arrangement opposite to the magnetic arrangement of the five corresponding support blocks SB-MA of the second support block group SB2 (e.g., the magnetic support blocks SB-MA of the third support block group SB3 have a south-north pole arrangement in the first direction DR1, while the five magnetic support blocks SB-MA of the second support block group SB2 have a north-south pole arrangement in the first direction DR1).

[0124] Referring Figure 12B , in the second / rolled-up mode, the magnetic poles of the magnetic support blocks SB-MA of the second support block group SB2 do not overlap with the same magnetic poles of the magnetic support blocks SB-MA of the third support block group SB3. Accordingly, deformation that would otherwise be caused by the repulsive force between the overlapping magnetic support blocks SB-MA with aligned magnetic poles can be prevented. In addition, since the sixth support block SB-ME of the second support block group SB2 has a non-magnetic property, the repulsive force that would otherwise be generated between the sixth support block of the second support block group SB2 and the first support block of the third support block group SB3 can be reduced.

[0125] The roller according to another exemplary embodiment may have a polygonal column shape defined by an odd number of side surfaces SS. For example, among the five support blocks of the third support block group SB3, the first to fourth support blocks may be magnetic support blocks SB-MA, and the fifth support block may be a metallic support block SB-ME. The four magnetic support blocks SB-MA of the third support block group SB3 may have the same magnetic arrangement, while the four magnetic support blocks SB-MA of the second support block group SB2 may have a magnetic arrangement opposite to that of the four magnetic support blocks SB-MA of the third support block group SB3.

[0126] Referring to Figure 13A and Figure 13B , some of the support blocks in each of the support blocks of the second support block group SB2 and the third support block group SB3 may be magnetic support blocks SB-MA. Among the six support blocks of the second support block group SB2, the odd-numbered support blocks (e.g., SB2-1) are magnetic support blocks SB-MA, and the even-numbered support blocks (e.g., SB2-6) are non-magnetic support blocks SB-ME. Among the six support blocks of the third support block group SB3, the odd-numbered support blocks (e.g., SB3-1) are magnetic support blocks SB-MA, and the even-numbered support blocks (e.g., SB3-6) are non-magnetic support blocks SB-ME. The order of the magnetic support blocks SB-MA and the non-magnetic support blocks SB-ME may be changed. The non-magnetic support blocks SB-ME may be plastic or metallic.

[0127] The odd-numbered support blocks of the second support block group SB2 have the same magnetic arrangement as each other in the first direction DR1. The odd-numbered support blocks of the third support block group SB3 have the same magnetic arrangement as each other in the first direction DR1, although the magnetic arrangement of the odd-numbered support blocks of the second support block group SB2 is opposite to that of the odd-numbered support blocks of the third support block group SB3.

[0128] Referring to Figure 13B , in the second / rolling-up mode, the magnetic poles of the magnetic support blocks SB-MA of the second support block group SB2 do not overlap with the same magnetic poles of the magnetic support blocks SB-MA of the third support block group SB3. Accordingly, deformation that would otherwise be caused by the repulsive force between the overlapping magnetic support blocks SB-MA having aligned magnetic poles can be prevented. In addition, since the sixth support block SB-ME of the second support block group SB2 has a non-magnetic property, the repulsive force that would otherwise be generated between the sixth support block of the second support block group SB2 and the first support block of the third support block group SB3 can be reduced.

[0129] In the present exemplary embodiment, the odd-numbered support blocks of the second support block group SB2 have the same magnetic arrangement in the first direction DR1, and this magnetic arrangement is opposite to the magnetic arrangement of the odd-numbered support blocks of the third support block group SB3 in the first direction DR1.

[0130] Refer to Figure 14A and Figure 14B , some of the support blocks in each of the support block groups SB2 and SB3 can be magnetic. Among the six support blocks of the second support block group SB2, the odd-numbered support blocks are magnetic support blocks SB-MA, and the even-numbered support blocks are non-magnetic support blocks SB-ME. Among the six support blocks of the third support block group SB3, the even-numbered support blocks are magnetic support blocks SB-MA, and the odd-numbered support blocks are non-magnetic support blocks SB-ME. The non-magnetic support blocks SB-ME can be plastic or metallic. In another exemplary embodiment, the order of the magnetic support blocks SB-MA and non-magnetic support blocks SB-ME of the second support block group SB2 and the third support block group SB3 can be changed.

[0131] Refer to Figure 14B , in the second / rolled-up mode, the odd-numbered support blocks of the second support block group SB2 overlap with the odd-numbered support blocks of the third support block group SB3. Since the odd-numbered support blocks of the second support block group SB2 or the odd-numbered support blocks of the third support block group SB3 have magnetic properties, deformation that would otherwise be caused by the repulsive force generated between the overlapping magnetic support blocks SB-MA can be prevented.

[0132] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that the present invention should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments, but rather various changes and modifications can be made by those of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the present invention claimed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rollable display device, comprising: A flexible display module configured to display an image; A roller configured to roll up the flexible display module; And A plurality of groups of support blocks, each of the plurality of groups of support blocks including a plurality of support blocks arranged in a first direction that intersects a second direction along the rolling axis of the roller, the plurality of groups of support blocks including: A first group of support blocks including a first support block; and A second group of support blocks including a second support block, Wherein, each of the second support blocks in the second group of support blocks that supports the flexible display module has a width in the first direction greater than the width in the first direction of the corresponding first support block in the first group of support blocks that supports the flexible display module; Wherein, when the flexible display module is unrolled from the roller, the first group of support blocks that supports the flexible display module is located between the roller and the second group of support blocks that supports the flexible display module; Wherein, when the flexible display module is unrolled from the roller, the first group of support blocks and the second group of support blocks are disposed on the same surface; Wherein, when the flexible display module is wound around the roller, the first group of support blocks and the second group of support blocks overlap with the flexible display module, Wherein, the first group of support blocks is composed of n first support blocks, and wherein, the second group of support blocks is composed of n second support blocks, Wherein, adjacent first support blocks among the first support blocks have magnetic poles arranged oppositely with respect to the second direction, Wherein, adjacent second support blocks among the second support blocks have magnetic poles arranged oppositely with respect to the second direction, where n is a natural number equal to or greater than 3, Wherein, adjacent first support blocks and second support blocks between the first group of support blocks and the second group of support blocks have magnetic poles arranged oppositely with respect to the second direction.

2. The curling display device according to claim 1, wherein, The roller has a polygonal column shape including n side surfaces.

3. The curling display device according to claim 2, wherein, The first group of support blocks is composed of n - 1 first support blocks, and wherein, the second group of support blocks is composed of n second support blocks.

4. The curling display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first support block and the second support block includes a first support portion and a second support portion separated from the first support portion in the second direction.

5. A rollable display device, comprising: A flexible display module configured to display an image; A roller configured to roll up the flexible display module; And A plurality of groups of support blocks, each of the plurality of groups of support blocks including a plurality of support blocks arranged in a first direction that intersects a second direction along the rolling axis of the roller, the plurality of groups of support blocks including: A first group of support blocks including a first support block; and A second group of support blocks including a second support block, Wherein, the first group of support blocks and the second group of support blocks are configured to support the flexible display module on the same surface side of the flexible display module; Each of the second support blocks in the second support block group that supports the flexible display module has a width in the first direction that is greater than the width in the first direction of the corresponding first support block in the first support block group that supports the flexible display module; and The first support block group that supports the flexible display module is located between the roller and the second support block group that supports the flexible display module, The roller has a polygonal column shape including 2n side surfaces, where n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2, The first support block group includes 2n first support blocks, and at least one of the 2n first support blocks is a magnetic support block, The second support block group includes 2n second support blocks, and at least one of the 2n second support blocks is a magnetic support block, Among the first to the 2n-1th support blocks of the 2n first support blocks, they are magnetic support blocks, The 2nth support block of the 2n first support blocks is a metallic support block, Among the first to the 2n-1th support blocks of the 2n second support blocks, they are magnetic support blocks, and The 2nth support block of the 2n second support blocks is a metallic support block, The magnetic poles of the magnetic support blocks in the first support block group are arranged to be opposite to the magnetic poles of the magnetic support blocks in the second support block group in the first direction.

6. The rollable display device according to any one of claims 1 and 5, further comprising a housing that houses the roller, the housing defining a slit, and the flexible display module is configured to pass through the slit.

7. The rollable display device according to claim 6, wherein, The flexible display module includes: A display panel; A touch panel located on the display panel; and A window member located on the touch panel.

Images