Flexible display device

Abstract

A flexible display apparatus can include a back cover supporting a rear surface of a display panel, a first plate disposed on a rear surface of the back cover, and a second plate disposed on the rear surface of the back cover, the first plate and the second plate configured to support the rear surface of the back cover and slide in a lateral direction, and a lever assembly rotatably coupled to a central portion of the rear surface of the back cover and connected to the first plate and the second plate. Rotation of the lever assembly can cause the back cover to bend by causing the first plate and the second plate to slide in the lateral direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a flexible display device. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, as flat panel display devices, liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, plasma display devices, field emission display devices, and light-emitting display devices are being actively researched.

[0003] Among them, LCD devices and light-emitting display devices have attracted much attention due to their advantages of mass production, simple driving methods, and high image quality.

[0004] Recently, in addition to researching and developing the technical shortcomings of these flat panel display devices, research and development (R&D) needs have become particularly prominent in the structure of flexible display devices, such as curved and scrollable types, which can be more attractive to users.

[0005] However, this flexible display device has a structure in which the mechanism for changing the curvature needs to be attached to the back surface of the display panel in order to change the curvature of the display panel. Therefore, due to the limitations of the attachment mechanism, it is difficult to achieve a constant curvature from the central part of the display panel to both ends of the display panel.

[0006] Furthermore, it would be difficult to continuously maintain the changed curvature while rapidly altering the curvature of the display panel to various curvatures desired by the user. Therefore, there may be limitations that make it difficult to adapt to various user needs.

[0007] Therefore, research is needed to address the aforementioned limitations and other issues related to existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a flexible display device in which a user can arbitrarily change the curvature to a flat display mode and a curved display mode.

[0009] Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure provide a flexible display device that can adapt to various user needs by easily achieving the desired curvature from the central portion to both ends of the display panel, regardless of the size within the display device.

[0010] The purposes of the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other purposes not mentioned herein.

[0011] According to one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible display device, the flexible display device comprising: a rear cover supporting the rear surface of a display panel; a first plate and a second plate respectively disposed on the left and right sides (e.g., lateral sides) of a central portion of the rear surface of the rear cover to support and slide the rear surface of the rear cover; and a lever assembly rotatably coupled to the central portion of the rear surface of the rear cover and connected to the first plate and the second plate to bend the rear cover by sliding the first plate and the second plate in a left-right direction.

[0012] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a flexible display device can be provided, wherein a user can arbitrarily change the curvature to a flat display mode and a curved display mode.

[0013] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a flexible display device can be provided that can adapt to various user needs by easily achieving a desired curvature from the central portion to both ends of the display panel, regardless of the size in the display device.

[0014] Further applicability of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that although embodiments of the invention are indicated, the detailed description and specific examples are given by way of illustration only, as various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a plan view showing a flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a rear view showing the flat and curved modes of a flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing a flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing a flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples or embodiments that may be implemented by way of example, and the same reference numerals and symbols may be used to refer to the same or similar components, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, descriptions of well-known functions and components incorporated herein will be omitted where such detailed descriptions may obscure the subject matter of some embodiments of this disclosure. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “constituting,” “made of,” and “formed from” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components, unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] In this document, terms such as “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(A),” or “(B)” may be used to describe elements of this disclosure. Each of these terms is not used to define the nature, order, sequence, or number of elements, but is only used to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0024] When referring to the first element as "connected to or linked to," "in contact with," or "overlapping" with the second element, it should be interpreted as meaning that the first element can not only be "directly connected to or linked to" or "directly contact with or overlap" the second element, but also that a third element can be "inserted" between the first and second elements, or that the first and second elements can be "connected to or linked to," "in contact with," or "overlapping" with each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element may be included in at least one of two or more elements that are "connected to or linked to," "in contact with," or "overlap" with each other.

[0025] When using time-relative terms such as “after,” “following,” “next,” “before,” etc., to describe the handling or operation of an element or configuration, or a process or step in an operation, handling, or manufacturing method, these terms may be used to describe discontinuous or non-sequential handling or operation unless used together with the terms “direct” or “immediate.”

[0026] Furthermore, when referring to any size, relative size, etc., even without a specific description, it should be assumed that the numerical values ​​or corresponding information of the component or feature (e.g., grade, range, etc.) include tolerances or error ranges that can be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external shocks, noise, etc.). In addition, the term "may" fully encompasses all the meanings of the term "may".

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a plan view showing a flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 3 to 7 This is a perspective view showing a flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a rear view showing the flat and curved modes of a flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing a flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing a flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. All components of the various flexible display devices according to all embodiments of the present disclosure are operatively connected and configured.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, a flexible display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a rear cover 103 that supports the rear surface of a display panel 101; a first plate 105a and a second plate 105b respectively disposed on the left and right sides (e.g., lateral sides) of the central portion of the rear surface of the rear cover 103 to support and slide the rear surface of the rear cover 103; and a lever assembly 200 rotatably coupled to the central portion of the rear surface of the rear cover 103 and connected to the first plate 105a and the second plate 105b to bend the rear cover 103 by sliding the first plate 105a and the second plate 105b in the left-right direction.

[0029] First, in embodiments of this disclosure, the direction reference is described as the front side on the display panel 101 side and the rear side on the rear cover 103 side. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the reference for directions will be described in the left-right and up-down directions in the direction facing the back cover 103.

[0030] Alternatively, two or more first plates 105a and second plates 105b may be provided on the left and right sides (e.g., the lateral side) of the rear cover 103, but in embodiments of this disclosure, the first plates 105a and second plates 105b are provided individually as examples.

[0031] Furthermore, the lever assembly 200 disposed in the central portion of the rear surface of the rear cover 103 can be directly connected to the rear surface of the rear cover 103, or it can be connected to the rear surface of the rear cover 103 via a separate module plate 204. In embodiments of this disclosure, the case in which the lever assembly 200 is connected to the rear surface of the module plate 204 connected to the rear cover 103 will be described.

[0032] In embodiments of this disclosure, the display panel 101 is connected to the front of the rear cover 103, and the display panel 101 can be used for both liquid crystal display panels and light-emitting display panels.

[0033] For example, when the display panel 101 is configured as an LCD panel, the display panel may further include a backlight unit for illuminating light onto the LCD panel, a lower polarizer attached to the lower substrate, and an upper polarizer attached to the front surface of the upper substrate. The specific configuration of the lower substrate and the upper substrate may be formed in various ways known to those skilled in the art, such as twisted nematic (TN) mode, vertical alignment (VA) mode, in-plane switching (IPS) mode, and edge field switching (FFS) mode.

[0034] When the display panel 101 is configured as a light-emitting display panel, the light-emitting display panel may include: a lower substrate, wherein a plurality of light-emitting units are formed in various regions defined by gate lines, data lines and power (VDD) lines; and an upper substrate, which is face-to-face bonded to the lower substrate. This configuration is well known in the art related to this disclosure, and therefore related drawings and detailed descriptions are not provided herein.

[0035] Therefore, in embodiments of this disclosure, display panel 101 can be used regardless of its type. Thus, the following description is given regardless of the type of display panel.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, in embodiments of this disclosure, when changing the curvature of the display panel 101, the radius of curvature is set differently in the bending mode and the flat mode. For example, the lever assembly 200 bends the rear cover 103 at the center of the rear surface of the rear cover 103 while sliding the first plate 105a and the second plate 105b to the left and right, respectively.

[0037] Here, the first plate 105a and the second plate 105b are formed of a high-rigidity metallic material (e.g., aluminum alloy or stainless steel) to allow the display panel 101 and the back cover 103 to bend. Therefore, the first plate 105a and the second plate 105b elastically deform and return to their predetermined curvature.

[0038] As an example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the radius of curvature R of the display panel 101 and the back cover 103 can be bent to approximately 700 mm to 1000 mm.

[0039] In planar mode, the center of curvature of the display panel 101 is located on a plane parallel to the display panel 101, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown at the top. In curved mode, the center point of curvature of the display panel 101 is located on the front side of the display panel 101, as shown. Figure 2 The lower part is shown.

[0040] Additionally, lever 202 is installed to make the curvature of display panel 101 easier to change, allowing the user to change the curvature of display panel 101 by rotating lever 202. Lever 202 may have an inner lever 202b inserted into tubular outer lever 202a, so that the entire length of lever 202 can be adjusted for user convenience.

[0041] Additionally, slots 109 are provided in the first plate 105a and the second plate 105b in the left-right direction of the rear cover 103. A plurality of fixing members 107 are provided on the rear surface of the rear cover 103, and each fixing member 107 is provided at a position corresponding to a corresponding slot 109.

[0042] Therefore, when the first plate 105a and the second plate 105b slide in the left-right direction of the rear cover 103, each fixing member 107 is supported by the corresponding slot 109 and slides in the corresponding direction. This sliding can cover the change in length in the left-right direction caused by the bending of the rear cover 103. Then, the sliding of the first plate 105a and the second plate 105b absorbs the change in length in the left-right direction caused by the bending of the rear cover 103.

[0043] The lever assembly 200 may include: a module plate 204 fixed to the central portion of the rear surface of the rear cover 103; a rotor 240 rotatably connected to the module plate 204 and connected to the lever 202; a first rotor link 205a, one end (e.g., a first end) rotatably connected to the rotor 240 and the other end (e.g., a second end) rotatably connected to the first plate 105a; and a second rotor link 205b, one end (e.g., a first end) rotatably connected to the rotor 240 and the other end (e.g., a second end) rotatably connected to the second plate 105b.

[0044] The connecting hole 205a-1 of the first rotor connecting rod 205a is rotatably connected to the fixed portion 247 formed on one side of the rear surface of the rotor 240 via the connecting member 206-1. The connecting hole 205a-2 of the first rotor connecting rod 205a is rotatably connected to the connecting hole 117 of the first plate 105a via the connecting member 206-2.

[0045] The module plate 204 forms an integral module connected to the lever assembly 200 and is connected to the rear surface of the rear cover 103.

[0046] However, as described above, in embodiments of this disclosure, the lever assembly 200 may be directly connected to the rear surface of the rear cover 103, rather than to the module plate 204.

[0047] The rotor 240 has an approximate disc shape, and the central portion of the front surface is connected to the module plate 204 and the hinge 244 so that it can be rotatably connected to the module plate 204, and the central portion of the rear surface is connected to the lever 202 via the lever connecting member 202-1.

[0048] Furthermore, one side of the rotor 240 is rotatably connected to the first plate 105a via the first rotor connecting rod 205a, and the other side of the rotor 240 is rotatably connected to the second plate 105b via the second rotor connecting rod 205b.

[0049] Therefore, when the user operates lever 202, while rotor 240 rotates about hinge 244 as an axis, first rotor link 205a causes first plate 105a to slide to the left, and second rotor link 205b causes second plate 105b to slide to the right.

[0050] The lever assembly 200 may include: a vertical guide 215 disposed in the vertical direction of the module plate 204 (e.g., perpendicular to the extension direction of the first plate 105a and the second plate 105b); vertical sliders 211 and 221 that slide up and down along the vertical guide 215; first slider links 201a and 203a, one end (e.g., a first end) of which is rotatably connected to the vertical sliders 211 and 221, and the other end (e.g., a second end) of which is rotatably connected to the first plate 105a; and second slider links 201b and 203b, one end (e.g., a first end) of which is rotatably connected to the vertical sliders 211 and 221, and the other end (e.g., a second end) of which is rotatably connected to the second plate 105b.

[0051] Therefore, when the user operates lever 202, the first rotor connecting rod 205a pushes the first plate 105a and causes it to slide to the left, while the first slider connecting rods 201a and 203a move the first plate 105a and slide together. Simultaneously, the first slider connecting rods 201a and 203a are supported while causing the vertical sliders 211 and 221 to move up and down, thus supporting the first plate 105a in both the left-right and up-down directions to achieve stable sliding.

[0052] Furthermore, while the second slider links 201b and 203b slide simultaneously with the second plate 105b, the vertical sliders 211 and 221 are supported as they move up and down. Then, the second plate 105b slides stably while being supported in the left-right and vertical directions.

[0053] Here, vertical sliders 211 and 221 may include an upper vertical slider 211 and a lower vertical slider 221 disposed above and below the vertical guide 215.

[0054] Additionally, the first slider links 201a and 203a may include: a first upper slider link 201a, one end of which (e.g., the first end) is rotatably connected to the upper vertical slider 211, and the other end (e.g., the second end) is rotatably connected to the first plate 105a; and a first lower slider link 203a, one end of which is rotatably connected to the lower vertical slider 221, and the other end (e.g., the second end) is rotatably connected to the first plate 105a.

[0055] The connecting hole 201a-2 of the first upper slider link 201a is rotatably connected to the connecting hole 111a on the upper side of one end (e.g., the first end) of the first plate 105a through the connecting member 119, and the connecting hole 201a-1 of the first upper slider link 201a is rotatably connected to the upper vertical slider 211 through the connecting member 211-1.

[0056] The connecting hole 203a-2 of the first lower slider link 203a is rotatably connected to the connecting hole 113a on the lower side of one end (e.g., the first end) of the first plate 105a through the connecting member 118, and the connecting hole 203a-1 of the first lower slider link 203a is rotatably connected to the lower vertical slider 221 through the connecting member 221-1.

[0057] For example, the first upper slider link 201a is connected to the upper part of one end (e.g., the first end) of the first plate 105a, and the first lower slider link 203a is connected to the lower part of the upper vertical slider 211, causing the upper vertical slider 211 and the lower vertical slider 221 to slide up and down. Therefore, the force for sliding the first plate 105a is transmitted symmetrically in the left-right direction and the vertical direction, so that the sliding of the first plate 105a proceeds stably without deviating to either side.

[0058] The second slider links 201b and 203b may include: a second upper slider link 201b, one end of which (e.g., the first end) is rotatably connected to the upper vertical slider 211 and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the second plate 105b; and a second lower slider link 203b, one end of which (e.g., the first end) is rotatably connected to the lower vertical slider 221 and the other end of which (e.g., the second end) is rotatably connected to the second plate 105b.

[0059] For example, the second upper slider link 201b is connected to the upper part of one end (e.g., the first end) of the second plate 105b, and the second lower slider link 203b is connected to the lower part of the upper vertical slider 211, causing the upper vertical slider 211 and the lower vertical slider 221 to slide up and down. Therefore, the sliding force of the second plate 105b is transmitted symmetrically in the left-right direction and the vertical direction, so that the sliding of the second plate 105b proceeds stably without deviating to either side.

[0060] Therefore, the left and right sliding of the first plate 105a and the second plate 105b is carried out stably.

[0061] In addition, the lever assembly 200 may include rotor guides 241a and 241, which pass through the module plate 204 and are coupled to the rotor 240 to guide the rotation angle of the rotor 240.

[0062] The module plate 204 is provided with a guide groove 204b cut in the circumferential direction, and one or more guide protrusions 204c that narrow in width can be provided on the inner surface of the guide groove 204b. The guide groove 204b can be engaged by rotor guides 241a, 241. For example, the rotor guides 241a, 241 can move within the guide groove 204b.

[0063] For example, by pre-setting the rotation angle of the rotor 240 to several segments and forming guide protrusions 204c between the set angles, the user can easily stop at the set angle when rotating the lever 202.

[0064] And, as Figure 6 In the example, the guide protrusion 204c is formed in two places to enable a planar mode, a maximum bending mode, and a middle bending mode, for example, the rotation of the rotor 240 can stop in three places.

[0065] Rotor guides 241a and 241 are configured to have a head 241a supported on the front surface of module plate 204 and a body 241 passing through guide groove 204b for connection with rotor 240. Resilient support member 243 is connected between fixing member 245 connected to body 241 and rear surface of rotor 240.

[0066] Therefore, the elastic support member 243 absorbs the vibrations and noise generated when the rotor guides 241a and 241 move circumferentially along the guide groove 204b while passing through the guide protrusion 204c. Furthermore, the elastic support member 243 provides an elastic restoring force so that the rotor guides 241a and 241 can return to their original positions while moving in the front-rear direction of the module plate 204.

[0067] Additionally, the lever assembly 200 may include: a first horizontal guide 231a disposed in the left-right direction between the first plate 105a and the module plate 204; and a first horizontal slider 230a connected to the first plate 105a and sliding left-right along the first horizontal guide 231a.

[0068] The first horizontal guide 231a can be configured as a pair arranged vertically, and the two ends of the first horizontal guide 231a are supported and fixed to guide support members 232-1 and 232-2 fixed to the module plate 204.

[0069] The fixed portion 235 of the first horizontal slider 230a is connected to the connecting hole 115 formed in the first plate 105a via connecting members 207-1 and 207-2.

[0070] Additionally, the lever assembly 200 may include: a second horizontal guide 231b disposed in the left-right direction between the second plate 105b and the module plate 204; and a second horizontal slider 230b connected to the second plate 105b and sliding left-right along the second horizontal guide 231b.

[0071] For example, when the first plate 105a slides, it slides left and right together with the first horizontal slider 230a. Simultaneously, when the second plate 105b slides, it slides left and right together with the second horizontal slider 230b. Therefore, the first plate 105a and the second plate 105b slide stably left and right.

[0072] Additionally, the lever assembly 200 may include: an upper guide fixing member 210 that supports the upper end of the vertical guide 215 and is fixed to the upper part of the module plate 204; and a lower guide fixing member 220 that supports the lower end of the vertical guide 215 and is fixed to the lower part of the module plate 204.

[0073] The upper guide fixing member 210 has an insertion hole formed on its lower side, into which the upper end of the vertical guide 215 is inserted and supported, and fixed to the module plate 204. The lower guide fixing member 220 has an insertion hole 227 into which the lower end of the vertical guide 215 is inserted, and restricts the left and right operating angle of the lever 202 and is fixed to the module plate 204.

[0074] Additionally, the lever assembly 200 may include: a rotor support member 251, one end of which (e.g., a first end) is rotatably supported by an upper guide fixing member 210, and the other end (e.g., a second end) is supported by a rotor 240; and an elastic member 250, one end of which (e.g., a first end) is supported by an upper guide fixing member 210, and the other end (e.g., a second end) elastically supports the other end (e.g., the second end) of the rotor support member 251 downwards.

[0075] One end (e.g., the first end) of the rotor support member 251 is connected via a rotating support member 253 such that the rotating support member 253 is rotatably supported by the upper guide fixing member 210. The other end 255 of the rotor support member 251 supports the rotor 240 in a downward direction.

[0076] Furthermore, the elastic member 250, which is adapted to the outer periphery of the rotor support member 251, is connected while being elastically supported by the support end 255, which is formed as a step on the other end of the rotating support member 253 and the rotor support member 251. Then, the rotor 240 is supported downward by the elastic member 250.

[0077] Therefore, when the rotor 240 is rotated by the user's operation of the lever 202, the rotor 240 is prevented from flowing upward, downward, leftward, and rightward. Furthermore, when changing from a curved mode to a flat mode, excessive rotational force caused by the elastic restoring force of the rear cover 103 is buffered.

[0078] The fastening member 253a passes through the rotating support member 253 to support and engage the outer peripheral surface of one end (e.g., the first end) of the rotor support member 251. Therefore, the user can adjust the tightening amount of the fastening member 253a and adjust the buffering force of the elastic member 250.

[0079] The front surface of the upper guide fixing member 210 is provided with an opening 213 that opens in the vertical direction to form a space between the module plates 204, and one end (e.g., the first end) of the rotor support member 251 is disposed inside the opening 213. The lower end of the opening 213 is provided with a curved groove 213-1 to support the outer peripheral surface of the rotating support member 253.

[0080] The rotor 240 is provided with support grooves 248a and 248b, which are recessed inward from the outer circumferential surface and one end (e.g., the first end) of the rotor support member 251 is inserted and supported therein.

[0081] Support grooves 248a and 248b are formed by connecting the first support groove 248a and the second support groove 248b with a curved surface. The other end (e.g., the second end) of the rotor support member 251 is supported by the first support groove 248a in a planar mode and by the second support groove 248b in a curved mode.

[0082] For example, the first support groove 248a and the second support groove 248b are formed such that the other end (e.g., the second end) of the rotor support member 251 is positioned at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical axis in both the flat mode and the curved mode.

[0083] Referencing the planar mode state Figure 8 The first support groove 248a is formed in a plane at an acute angle "A" to the right from the vertical axis, so as to generate a clockwise torque to prevent the rotor 240 from rotating in the counterclockwise direction.

[0084] Furthermore, referring to the diagram showing the bending mode state Figure 9The second support groove 248b is formed in a plane that forms an acute angle "B" to the left from the vertical axis, so as to generate a torque in the counterclockwise direction to prevent the rotor 240 from rotating in the clockwise direction.

[0085] Here, angles "A" and "B" form an angle of approximately 70° to 80°.

[0086] Therefore, due to the first support groove 248a and the second support groove 248b, the rotor 240 can remain in a stopped state without rotating in both the flat mode and the curved mode.

[0087] Additionally, the lower guide fixing member 220 may include: a fixing end 223 disposed on both sides of the lower guide fixing member 220 and fixed to the module plate 204; and a connecting portion 225 that bends backward from the fixing end 223 and is connected to the fixing end 223 and spaced apart from the module plate 204, and is configured to have an operating space with lever 202.

[0088] The lower guide fixing member 220 is formed in a generally arc shape, and the fixing ends 223 on both sides are fixed to the module plate 204, and the operating space of the lever 202 is formed as the space between the connecting part 225 and the module plate 204.

[0089] The connecting part 225 is provided with an insertion hole 227, and the lower end of the vertical guide 215 is inserted into the insertion hole 227.

[0090] The front surface of the rotor 240 is provided with a forward-protruding stop protrusion 242, and one end of the rotor support member 251 is rotatably connected. The module plate 204 is provided with a stop groove 204a, into which the stop protrusion 242 is inserted. When the rotor 240 rotates, the stop protrusion 242 is supported on one side and the other side in the circumferential direction by the stop groove 204a.

[0091] The stop groove 204a provided in the module plate 204 is formed in a roughly fan shape. When the rotor 240 rotates, the stop protrusion 242 is supported by the stop groove 204a on one side and the other side in the circumferential direction and can be stopped.

[0092] Alternatively, embodiments of this disclosure may include a sliding support member 260 inserted into and fixed in the slot 109. The sliding support member 260 is provided with a protruding support portion 261 that is supported by sliding the support end 107a of the fixed member 107.

[0093] In addition, the sliding support member 260 is provided with a plate support portion 265 supporting the front surfaces of the first plate 105a and the second plate 105b, and the protruding fixing portion 263 is provided at a position spaced apart from both ends of the protruding support portion 261. The first plate 105a and the second plate 105b are respectively provided with cutout holes 108 at positions spaced apart from both sides of the slot hole 109, and the cutout holes 108 are provided with mounting grooves 108a for mounting the protruding fixing portion 263.

[0094] Therefore, when assembling the sliding support member 260, the assembly jig holding the sliding support member 260 is inserted into the slot 109 and the placement groove 108a while moving through the notch 108. Furthermore, rapid assembly is achieved while the fastening member 106 is secured to the protruding fixing portion 263 from the opposite side.

[0095] As described above, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a flexible display device can be provided, wherein the curvature can be arbitrarily changed to a flat display mode and a curved display mode.

[0096] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, a flexible display device can be provided that can adapt to various user needs by easily achieving a desired curvature from the central portion to both ends of the display panel, regardless of the size within the display device.

[0097] The foregoing description has been presented to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the technical concepts of this disclosure, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description and figures are provided for illustrative purposes only, illustrating examples of the technical concepts of this disclosure. For example, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical concepts of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but should be consistent with the widest scope accorded to the claims. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted based on the following claims, and all technical concepts falling within their equivalents should be interpreted as included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0098] The various embodiments described herein can be implemented in a computer-readable medium, for example, using software, hardware, or combinations thereof. For example, the embodiments described herein can be implemented in one or more of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a digital signal processing device (DSPD), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor, a controller, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or alternative combinations thereof. In some cases, these embodiments are implemented by a controller. For example, the controller is a hardware embedded processor that executes appropriate algorithms (e.g., flowcharts) to perform the described functions and thus has sufficient structure. Additionally, embodiments such as processes and functions can be implemented with separate software modules, each performing at least one of the functions and operations. The software code can be implemented using a software application written in any suitable programming language. Furthermore, the software code can be stored in memory and executed by the controller, thus making the controller a dedicated controller specifically configured to perform the described functions and algorithms. Therefore, the components shown in the figures have sufficient structure to implement appropriate algorithms for performing the described functions.

[0099] Cross-reference to related applications

[0100] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0186564, filed in Korea on December 23, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0061380, filed in Korea on May 19, 2022, the full contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A flexible display device, the flexible display device comprising: The rear cover supports and includes the rear surface of the display panel; A first plate is disposed on the rear surface of the rear cover; A second plate is disposed on the rear surface of the rear cover, and the first plate and the second plate are configured to support the rear surface of the rear cover and slide in the lateral direction; as well as A lever assembly, rotatably connected to the central portion of the rear surface of the rear cover and connected to the first plate and the second plate. The rotation of the lever assembly causes the rear cover to bend by sliding the first and second plates in the lateral direction. Each of the first plate and the second plate is provided with a slot that extends in the lateral direction, and The back cover includes a fixing member disposed at a position corresponding to the slot, such that when the back cover bends due to the rotation of the lever assembly, the fixing member is supported by the slot and slides around the slot.

2. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein, The lever assembly includes: A module board, which is fixed to the central portion of the rear surface of the rear cover; A rotor, which is rotatably connected to the module plate and is connected to a lever; A first rotor link, the first end of which is rotatably connected to the rotor and the second end of which is rotatably connected to the first plate; and A second rotor link, the first end of which is rotatably connected to the rotor and the second end of which is rotatably connected to the second plate.

3. The flexible display device according to claim 2, wherein, The lever assembly also includes a rotor guide that passes through the module plate and is coupled to the rotor to guide the rotation angle of the rotor.

4. The flexible display device according to claim 3, wherein, The module board includes: Guide groove, which is cut in the circumferential direction; and A guide protrusion that protrudes inward on the inner surface of the guide groove.

5. The flexible display device according to claim 2, wherein, The lever assembly also includes: A first horizontal guide, disposed between the first plate and the module plate; and A first horizontal slider is attached to the first plate and slides along the first horizontal guide in the lateral direction.

6. The flexible display device according to claim 5, wherein, The lever assembly also includes: A second horizontal guide is disposed between the second plate and the module plate; and The second horizontal slider is connected to the second plate and slides along the second horizontal guide in the lateral direction.

7. The flexible display device according to claim 2, wherein, The lever assembly also includes: A vertical guide, which is disposed in the vertical direction of the module plate; A vertical slider that slides up and down along the vertical guide; A first slider link, the first end of which is rotatably connected to the vertical slider and the second end of which is rotatably connected to the first plate; and A second slider link, the first end of which is rotatably connected to the vertical slider and the second end of which is rotatably connected to the second plate.

8. The flexible display device according to claim 7, wherein, The vertical slider includes: An upper vertical slider, which is disposed on the upper part of the vertical guide; and A lower vertical slider is disposed at the lower part of the vertical guide.

9. The flexible display device according to claim 8, wherein, The first slider link includes: A first upper slider connecting rod, the first end of which is rotatably connected to the upper vertical slider and the second end of which is rotatably connected to the first plate; and A first lower slider link, the first end of which is rotatably connected to the lower vertical slider and the second end of which is rotatably connected to the first plate.

10. The flexible display device according to claim 9, wherein, The second slider link includes: The second upper slider connecting rod includes a first end rotatably connected to the upper vertical slider and a second end rotatably connected to the second plate; and The second lower slider link includes a first end rotatably connected to the lower vertical slider and a second end rotatably connected to the second plate.

11. The flexible display device according to claim 7, wherein, The lever assembly also includes: An upper guide fixing member, which supports the upper end of the vertical guide and is fixed to the upper part of the module plate; and A lower guide fixing member supports the lower end of the vertical guide and is fixed to the lower part of the module plate.

12. The flexible display device according to claim 11, wherein, The lever assembly also includes: A rotor support member, the first end of which is rotatably supported by the upper guide fixing member and the second end of which is supported by the rotor; and An elastic member, the first end of which is supported by the upper guide fixing member and the second end of which elastically supports the end of the rotor support member downward.

13. The flexible display device according to claim 12, wherein, The rotor is provided with a support groove recessed inward from the outer circumferential surface to be supported by inserting the end of the rotor support member.

14. A flexible display device, the flexible display device comprising: The back cover supports the display panel; First board; A second plate, spaced apart from the first plate, wherein the first and second plates are configured as follows: The rear surface supporting the flexible display device, and Slide in the horizontal direction; as well as A lever assembly, which is rotatably connected to the first plate and the second plate. The flexible display device bends by rotating the lever assembly, causing the first and second plates to slide in the lateral direction. Each of the first plate and the second plate is provided with a slot, and The back cover includes a fixing member disposed at a position corresponding to the slot, the fixing member being supported by the slot and allowing the back cover to bend during the sliding of the first plate and the second plate via the lever.

15. The flexible display device according to claim 14, wherein, The lever assembly includes: A module board, which is fixed to the rear surface of the rear cover; and The rotor is rotatably connected to the module plate and is coupled with levers.

16. The flexible display device according to claim 15, wherein, The rotor is connected to the first plate and the second plate by a connecting rod, such that rotation of the lever causes rotation of the rotor and sliding of the first plate and the second plate in the lateral direction.

17. The flexible display device according to claim 15, wherein, The module plate is provided with a stop groove, and The rotor has a stop protrusion on its front surface, which is located within the stop groove to limit the rotation of the rotor.

18. The flexible display device according to claim 15, wherein, The lever assembly also includes: A vertical guide, which is disposed in the vertical direction of the module plate; and A vertical slider slides up and down along the vertical guide and vertically supports the first plate and the second plate.

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