Foldable display device

Abstract

A foldable display apparatus is provided. The foldable display apparatus includes a first housing and a second housing disposed adjacent to each other and respectively supporting two different portions of a display panel, a sliding plate disposed on an upper surface of at least one of the first housing and the second housing, a spring member that transmits a pressure to the sliding plate such that the sliding plate moves outward, a support member disposed between the first housing and the second housing and supporting the display panel, a first insertion member disposed between the first housing and the support member, a second insertion member disposed between the second housing and the support member, and a hinge assembly connecting the first housing and the second housing and configured to perform folding and unfolding movements of the first housing and the second housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a foldable display device, and more specifically, for example, but not limited to, a foldable display device having a hinge structure that can be folded in both directions. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, terminals, more specifically, portable terminals such as mobile phones, wireless terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), and e-notebooks, are trending towards miniaturization for portability. However, because users of portable terminals want to receive various types of information such as text messages, videos, still images, MP3s, and games through the terminal's screen, the display unit's screen needs to be large and / or wide. The miniaturization of portable terminals leads to a reduction in display screen size, which creates a limitation on simultaneously meeting both of these needs.

[0003] To overcome this limitation, flexible display devices such as bendable or foldable display devices have recently been developed.

[0004] Flexible display devices can be made using substrates made of plastic materials. Because flexible display devices are easy to carry when folded and can achieve a large screen when unfolded, they can be applied to a variety of fields such as televisions and monitors, in addition to mobile devices such as mobile phones, e-books, and e-newspapers.

[0005] The descriptions provided in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art simply because they are mentioned in or associated with the background section. The background section may include information describing one or more aspects of the subject matter art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The inventors of this disclosure have invented a structure in which a hinge device is used in the area where the display panel is folded, to realize a foldable display device in a flexible display device. However, it is recognized that the hinge structure of the prior art can only fold in one direction, and it is difficult to simultaneously realize inward folding that places the display panel inside the foldable display device and outward folding that places the display panel outside the foldable display device.

[0007] It was also recognized that even if a hinge capable of simultaneously implementing inward and outward folding is applied, it is difficult to simultaneously resolve the damage to the panel that occurs during inward folding and the damage to the display panel that occurs during outward folding caused by repeated folding.

[0008] Therefore, the objective of this disclosure is to provide a bidirectional foldable display device capable of both inward and outward folding.

[0009] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a foldable display device that addresses the issue of damage to the display panel when pressure is applied to the display panel exposed during outward folding.

[0010] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a foldable display device that solves the problem of reverse folding caused by warping and wrinkling of the display panel due to the recovery delay of the OCA when operating from an outward folded state to an unfolded state.

[0011] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a foldable display device that can reduce the pressure applied to the display panel by moving the housing during inward and outward folding.

[0012] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a foldable display device that exhibits excellent durability even under repeated folding.

[0013] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned purposes, and other purposes not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0014] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a foldable display device includes: a first housing and a second housing, the first housing and the second housing being arranged adjacent to each other and respectively supporting two different portions of a display panel; a sliding plate disposed on an upper surface of at least one of the first housing and the second housing; a spring member transmitting pressure to the sliding plate, causing the sliding plate to move outward; a support member disposed between the first housing and the second housing and supporting the display panel; a first insertion member disposed between the first housing and the support member; a second insertion member disposed between the second housing and the support member; and a hinge assembly connecting the first housing and the second housing and configured to perform folding and unfolding movements of the first housing and the second housing.

[0015] According to this disclosure, a bidirectional foldable display device capable of folding inward and outward can be implemented.

[0016] Further details of the exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0017] According to this disclosure, problems such as warping and wrinkling of the display panel that occur during folding can be solved by providing a sliding plate that can be moved by pressure in the housing.

[0018] According to this disclosure, the problem of reverse folding that occurs when switching from outward folding to unfolding can be solved.

[0019] According to this disclosure, even when repeated folding is performed, the damage applied to the display panel can be minimized and the reliability of the display device can be improved.

[0020] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those exemplified above, and this specification includes a wide variety of other effects.

[0021] It will be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed inventive concept. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are included and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more clearly understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, wherein: Figure 1A This is a perspective view showing the unfolded state of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1B This is a perspective view showing an inwardly folded state of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 1C This is a perspective view showing the outwardly folded state of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2A This is a plan view illustrating a portion of the configuration of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2B This is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of the configuration of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2C This is an enlarged illustration of an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 2A An exploded 3D diagram of part A.

[0027] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure including the housing and sliding plate in a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figures 4A to 4CThis is a perspective view illustrating the movement of a sliding plate that moves according to folding in a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figures 5A to 5C This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of an inwardly folding housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure of a foldable display device.

[0030] Figures 6A to 6C This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of the housing of a foldable display device that folds outward according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals should be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustrative purposes, the relative dimensions and descriptions of these elements may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of this disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, detailed descriptions of known functions or configurations relevant to this document will be omitted where such descriptions would be determined to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the inventive concept. The described processing steps and / or operational procedures are illustrative; however, the order of steps and / or operations is not limited to the order set forth herein and can be varied as is known in the art, except for steps and / or operations that must occur in a specific order. The names of the various elements used in the following description are chosen solely for ease of specification and may therefore differ from the names used in actual products.

[0033] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but can be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided by way of example only to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the disclosure and scope of this disclosure.

[0034] The shapes, dimensions, ratios, angles, quantities, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings used to describe exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals generally denote the same elements. Furthermore, in the following description of this disclosure, detailed explanations of known related technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of this disclosure. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “consisting of” 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.” Unless otherwise expressly stated, any reference to the singular may include the plural.

[0035] Even if not explicitly stated, components are interpreted to include the normal tolerance range. Any implementation described as an example in this document is not necessarily to be interpreted as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0036] When using terms such as “above,” “over,” “below,” and “beside” to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more parts may be located between the two parts, unless these terms are used with the terms “immediately following” or “directly.”

[0037] When one element or layer is placed "on" another element or layer, that element or layer may be placed directly on the other layer or another element, or another layer or another element may be inserted between them.

[0038] Terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein to describe the relationships between elements as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms are spatially relative and based on the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0039] When using the terms “comprising,” “specific,” and “including” as described in this disclosure, an additional part may be added unless a more restrictive term such as “only” is used. Singular terms may include plural forms unless otherwise indicated.

[0040] Although the terms "first," "second," "A," "B," "(a)," and "(b)" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. Therefore, in the technical concept of this disclosure, the first component referred to below can be the second component.

[0041] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals generally denote the same elements.

[0042] The term "at least one" should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. For example, "at least one of the first, second, and third items" means a combination of all listed elements, a combination of any two of the three elements, and each individual element as the first, second, and third element.

[0043] The dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the figures are for illustrative purposes only, and this disclosure is not limited to the dimensions and thicknesses of the components shown.

[0044] The features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be added to or combined with each other in part or in whole, and may be linked and operated in various technical ways, and the embodiments may be implemented independently or in connection with each other.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments are described. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein. For example, the terms “component” or “unit” can be applied, for example, to a single circuit or structure, an integrated circuit, a computational block of a circuit device, or any structure configured to perform the described functions, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0046] Hereinafter, a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figures 1A to 1C This is a view used to explain a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figures 1A to 1C This is a perspective view of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A This is a perspective view showing the unfolded state of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B This is a perspective view showing the in-folding state of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1C This is a perspective view showing the outwardly folded state of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] The foldable display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can be folded at a specific angle (e.g., any angle in the range of 0° to 360°, or any angle in the range of 0° to 180°) according to the user's intention. Furthermore, the foldable display device can be completely folded or unfolded according to the user's intention. The foldable display device can also be folded or unfolded by folding inward (or internally), such that the display panel is disposed inside the foldable display device or different portions of the display panel are positioned facing each other, and / or, the foldable display device can also be folded or unfolded by folding outward (or externally), such that the display panel is disposed outside the foldable display device or different portions of the display panel are positioned facing outward in opposite directions. The foldable display device is a bidirectional foldable display device that can be folded in both directions to freely implement inward and outward folding according to the user's intention, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the foldable display device can be folded and unfolded by only one of inward and outward folding.

[0050] Reference Figures 1A to 1C A foldable display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include set housings 110 and 120, a hinge assembly 200, and a display panel 160.

[0051] For ease of explanation, Figures 1A to 1C The components of the foldable display device are briefly shown, but various other components may also be included for the actual operation of the foldable display device.

[0052] Housings 110 and 120 are the outer covers of the set and can support or house various components of the foldable display device 100, including the display panel 160. Housings 110 and 120 may include, but are not limited to, a first housing 110 located on the left and a second housing 120 located on the right. As an example, more or fewer housings may be included. As another example, housings 110 and 120 may include a first housing 110 located on the upper side and a second housing 120 located on the lower side, but are not limited to.

[0053] The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may be spaced apart from each other, with the hinge assembly 200 inserted between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. Additionally, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may be respectively positioned on one area and the other area of ​​the foldable display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for folding and unfolding. As an example, in the foldable display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, folding and unfolding movements may be performed by force (e.g., an external force applied by a user) based on any area between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 on the right side. Referring later... Figures 2A to 2C Describe the detailed structure and function of housings 110 and 120.

[0054] Hinge assembly 200 is connected to the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 to enable folding and unfolding movement of the foldable display device. (See later...) Figures 2A to 2C Describe the detailed structure and function of the hinge assembly.

[0055] Display panel 160 is disposed on first housing 110 and second housing 120. One of various display panels, such as organic light-emitting display panel, quantum dot light-emitting display panel, micro light-emitting diode display panel, electrophoretic display panel and liquid crystal display panel, can be used as display panel 160.

[0056] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the display panel 160 may include a plurality of subpixels for displaying images to a user. In the display panel 160, a plurality of scan lines and a plurality of data lines may intersect each other, and the plurality of subpixels may be connected to the scan lines and data lines respectively. Each of the plurality of subpixels may be connected to a high-potential power line, a low-potential power line, an initialization signal line, and / or a light emission control signal line, but is not limited thereto. As an example, at least one of the aforementioned lines may be omitted, or additional lines may be further included.

[0057] A subpixel is the smallest unit that constitutes a screen, and each of a plurality of subpixels may include a light-emitting element and pixel circuitry for operating the light-emitting element. The plurality of light-emitting elements may be defined differently depending on the type of display panel 160. For example, when display panel 160 is an organic light-emitting display panel, the light-emitting element may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) comprising an anode, a light-emitting unit, and a cathode. The following description is based on the assumption that the light-emitting element is an organic light-emitting diode, but the type of light-emitting element is not limited thereto.

[0058] A pixel circuit is a circuit used to control the driving of a light-emitting element. A pixel circuit may include, for example, multiple transistors and capacitors, but is not limited to these.

[0059] Additionally, the display panel 160 may be flexible so that it folds and unfolds as the foldable display device 100 folds and unfolds.

[0060] The foldable display device 100 can be folded to form a specific folding angle between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. That is, although Figure 1A The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are shown fully unfolded to have an angle of 180° therebetween, but the foldable display device 100 can be folded to a specific angle (e.g., any angle in the range of 0° to 360°).

[0061] As an example, in the foldable display device 100, a specific folding angle can be maintained by a holding force applied from the hinge assembly 200. That is, while maintaining the specific folding angle, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 can be secured, for example, by the hinge assembly 200 or an external device. Therefore, the foldable display device 100 can be folded at a specific angle according to the user's intention, and maintained in the folded state at the specific angle, for example, by the holding force from the hinge assembly 200.

[0062] Although not shown in the figure, alternatively, a bezel cover may be provided to cover the top bezel of the display panel 160 on the top surface of the display panel 160. The bezel cover may be integrally formed to cover the entire bezel of the display panel 160, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the bezel cover may be configured as a first bezel cover on the left and a second bezel cover on the right.

[0063] The following will refer to Figures 2A to 2C The specific structure and function of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are described in detail.

[0064] Figure 2A This is a plan view illustrating a portion of the configuration of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B This is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of the configuration of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2C This is an enlarged illustration of an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 2A An exploded 3D diagram of part A.

[0065] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The housings 110 and 120 respectively include, but are not limited to, supports 112 and 122, frames 114 and 124, and covers 116 and 126. Specifically, the first housing 110 includes a first support 112, a first frame 114, and a first cover 116. The second housing 120 includes a second support 122, a second frame 124, and a second cover 126.

[0066] The first support 112 and the second support 122 may be base members for supporting various components of the foldable display device 100, including the display panel 160. The first support 112 and the second support 122 may be spaced apart from each other, with the support member 140 inserted therebetween.

[0067] Refer to 2A and Figure 2B The first support 112 of the first housing 110 is configured as a single-layer substrate without steps. In contrast, the second support 122 of the second housing 120 includes a first support region 122a and a second support region 122b that are stepped relative to each other. The first support region 122a is positioned adjacent to the support member 140 and, for example, has the same height as the first support 112 of the first housing 110. The second support region 122b forms a step with the first support region 122a and has a lower height than the first support region 122a. The second support region 122b accommodates a sliding plate 130, which will be described later. As an example, the height of the upper surface of the sliding plate 130 may be the same as the height of the first support region 122a, but this is not shown here. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The diagram illustrates a structure in which a first support region 122a and a second support region 122b, arranged in a stepped manner, are formed within a second housing 120; however, the structure is not limited to this. For example, both the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may include a second support region for accommodating a sliding plate 130.

[0068] The first frame 114 and the second frame 124 are embedded frames of the unit to at least partially surround and accommodate various components of the foldable display device 100. The first frame 114 and the second frame 124 may at least partially surround the edges of the first support 112 and the second support 122, respectively. Specifically, as an example, the first frame 114 surrounds the three edges of the first support 112 except for the edge facing the support member 140. Similarly, the second frame 124 surrounds the three edges of the second support 122 except for the edge facing the hinge assembly 200.

[0069] The support structure and frame can be manufactured separately for assembly, or they can have a single structure for integral connection. Figures 2A to 2C The diagram shows that the first support 112 and the first frame 114 are configured as a single structure to be integrated with each other, and the second support 122 and the second frame 124 are configured as a single structure to be integrated with each other, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0070] Fastening portions connected to the hinge assembly 200 may be formed in the housings 110 and 120, for example, in the first frame 114 and the second frame 124, but are not limited thereto. For example, receiving portions for inserting the first upper link arm 210a and the second upper link arm 210b of the hinge assembly 200 and fastening portions for fastening the first upper link arm 210a and the second upper link arm 210b may be formed inside the first frame 114 and the second frame 124, respectively, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] The first cover 116 and the second cover 126 are respectively disposed below the first support 112 and the second support 122. The first cover 116 and the second cover 126 may be at least partially surrounded and / or fixed by, for example, the first frame 114 and the second frame 124, but are not limited thereto.

[0072] The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 can support components such as the display panel 160 and simultaneously accommodate structures such as insertion members. Specifically, the display panel 160 can be securely placed and supported in the space formed by the first support 112, the second support 122, the first frame 114, and the second frame 124. Furthermore, a receiving portion can be formed between the first cover 116 and the second cover 126 and the first support 112 and the second support 122 to accommodate a portion of the insertion members 150a and 150b.

[0073] As an example, at least one of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 can move in the width direction according to the folding movement. (See later...) Figures 5A to 6C Describe the movement of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

[0074] A sliding plate 130 is disposed in the second support area 122b of the second support body 122. The sliding plate 130 reduces or suppresses wrinkles in the display panel 160 by applying pressure to the display panel 160, and reduces or suppresses reverse folding of the display panel during inward and outward folding. As an example, the sliding plate 130 may be attached to or fixed to the display panel 160.

[0075] The following will refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B Provide a detailed description of the structure of the sliding plate.

[0076] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the housing and sliding plate in a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the top surface and the rear surface, respectively.

[0077] First, the second housing 120 also includes a groove 128 for connection to the sliding plate 130.

[0078] At this time, a force-applying member capable of applying force or pressure to the sliding plate 130, such as a hydraulic member or an elastic member like the spring member 135, can be provided in the groove 128. The spring member 135 transmits force or pressure to the sliding plate 130 according to the folding movement, thereby moving the sliding plate 130. The spring member 135 can be set to a pre-contracted state in the unfolded state to apply a fixed pressure to the sliding plate 130, but is not limited thereto.

[0079] A sliding plate 130 is disposed within the second housing 120. As an example, the sliding plate 130 is positioned within a second support region 122b in the second support body 122, the second support region 122b being located at a lower position by forming a step. The sliding plate 130 has a width smaller than the width of the second support region 122b, to provide leeway in the width direction within the second support region 122b. This allows the sliding plate 130 to move left and right within the second support region 122b. As an example, the sliding plate 130 may also have a length smaller than the length of the second support region 122b, to provide leeway in the length direction within the second support region 122b, to facilitate left and right movement of the sliding plate 130 by reducing interference or friction on the sliding plate 130, but is not limited to this.

[0080] The sliding plate 130 includes a flat portion 132 and a protrusion 134. The flat portion 132 serves as a support, supporting the display panel 160 located above it together with the second support 122 of the second housing 120. The protrusion 134 is a region that protrudes toward the rear surface of the sliding plate 130 and is placed in a groove 128 formed in the second support 122. The protrusion 134 contacts a spring member 135 and receives pressure from the spring member 135 in the width direction. As an example, the protrusion 134 can be as follows: Figure 3A The portion shown is located on the upward or downward protruding part of the flat portion 132, or it can be located at any position, as long as it can contact the spring member 135 and receive pressure from the spring member 135 in the width direction.

[0081] Please refer to later Figures 4A to 4C This describes the position and movement of the sliding plate driven by the folding mechanism of the foldable display device.

[0082] A support member 140 is inserted between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The support member 140 has an elongated plate shape in the longitudinal direction. The support member 140 has a flat upper surface to support the display panel 160. (See reference...) Figure 2B Fastening portions 142 are formed in two sides along the longitudinal direction of the support member 140 to connect with the fixing cap 250. The support member 140 is secured to the fixing cap 250 by the fastening portions 142 to maintain the central axis during the folding operation.

[0083] The first insertion member 150a and the second insertion member 150b are disposed on both sides of the support member 140 along the width direction. (Refer to...) Figure 2B The first insertion member 150a and the second insertion member 150b have an elongated plate shape in the longitudinal direction. The first insertion member 150a and the second insertion member 150b can support the display panel 160 disposed thereon together with the support member 140. The first insertion member 150a and the second insertion member 150b may optionally include a recess 152 extending in the longitudinal direction. The recess 152 forms a space in which the display panel can be disposed in an "Ω" shape during inward folding.

[0084] The first insertion member 150a and the second insertion member 150b are provided with fastening portions 154, and the first lower linkage arm 220a and the second lower linkage arm 220b constituting the hinge assembly 200 can be respectively connected to the fastening portions 154. The first insertion member 150a and the second insertion member 150b can move into the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 as the first lower linkage arm 220a and the second lower linkage arm 220b move.

[0085] The hinge assembly 200 is connected to the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 to enable the folding and unfolding movement of the foldable display device.

[0086] Reference Figure 2B and Figure 2C The hinge assembly 200 may include, but is not limited to, an upper link arm, a lower link arm, an upper gear, a lower gear, a sliding connection member 260, multiple retaining pins and retaining caps 250.

[0087] The first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b respectively allow movement of the first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b connected to the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. Both the first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b have a double-axis gear shape including teeth and a connecting portion. The first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b can rotate while their teeth engage with each other. The connecting portion of the first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b is respectively connected to the first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b. The center or other portion of the connecting portion acts as a rotation axis for the rotation of the first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b.

[0088] The first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b may include holes formed in the rotating shaft of the teeth and the connecting portion. The first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b can be connected to the fixing cap through the holes in the teeth, and are fastened to the connecting shaft of the first upper connecting arm 210a and the second upper connecting arm 210b through the holes in the connecting portion.

[0089] The rotation axes of the teeth and connecting parts of the first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b can all be located on the same plane.

[0090] The first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b are respectively disposed below the first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b. The first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b respectively allow the movement of the first lower linkage arm 220a and the second lower linkage arm 220b connected to the first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b. The first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b both have a double-axis gear shape including teeth and a connecting portion. The first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b can rotate while their teeth are engaged with each other. The connecting portion of the first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b is respectively connected to the first lower linkage arm 220a and the second lower linkage arm 220b. The center or other part of the connecting portion acts as a rotation axis for the rotation of the first lower linkage arm 220a and the second lower linkage arm 220b.

[0091] The first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b can have holes formed in their respective teeth and the rotating shaft of the connecting part. The first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b can be connected to the fixing cap 250 through the holes in their teeth, and are fastened to the connecting shaft 222 of the first lower connecting arm 220a and the second lower connecting arm 220b through the holes in the connecting part.

[0092] The rotation axes of the teeth and connecting parts of the first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b can be located on different planes. The rotation axes of the teeth and connecting parts of the first upper gear 230a are all located on the same plane as the rotation axes of the teeth and connecting parts of the second upper gear 230b. Conversely, the rotation axes of the teeth of the first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b can be located on different planes from the rotation axes of the connecting parts of the first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b. For example, the rotation axes of the teeth of the first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b can be located on a lower plane than the rotation axis of the connecting parts of the first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b. Thus, the first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b connected to the first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b can perform different actions than the first lower linkage arm 220a and the second lower linkage arm 220b connected to the first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b.

[0093] The first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b are respectively disposed on both sides of the first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b in the width direction. The first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b connect the hinge assembly 200, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, so that the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 can be folded and unfolded based on the hinge assembly 200.

[0094] Reference Figure 2C Each of the first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b includes a connecting shaft 212, a fastening portion 214, and a guide portion 216. The connecting shafts 212 of the first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b are respectively connected to the connecting portions of the first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b. Therefore, the first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b can rotate in response to the first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b rotating about a pair of rotation axes.

[0095] The fastening portion 214 of each of the first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b can be fastened to a fastening portion formed in the first frame 114 of the first housing 110 and a fastening portion formed in the second frame 124 of the second housing 120. This allows the housing and other components housed within it to fold and unfold depending on whether the hinge assembly 200 is operated. Although in Figure 2C Not shown, but the first upper link arm 210a and the second upper link arm 210b can be securely inserted into the receiving portions of the first frame 114 and the second frame 124 to connect to the fasteners located inside the receiving portions of the first frame 114 and the second frame 124. Although Figure 2C The fastening portion 214 of each of the first upper link arm 210a and the second upper link arm 210b shown includes holes for fastening to the first frame 114 and the second frame 124, but the implementation is not limited thereto. As an example, the fastening portion 214 of each of the first upper link arm 210a and the second upper link arm 210b can be fastened to the first frame 114 and the second frame 124 in various ways, such as by using bolts, adhesives, magnets, etc.

[0096] The guide portion 216 of each of the first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b is located in the rear surface of the first and second upper linkage arms, but is not limited thereto. The first lower linkage arm 220a and the second lower linkage arm 220b are respectively connected to the first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b via the guide portion 216 to perform sliding movement. Figure 2C In the middle, the guide portion 216 of the first upper link arm 210a and the second upper link arm 210b can be fastened to the sliding connection member 260 which is respectively connected to the first lower link arm 220a and the second lower link arm 220b.

[0097] The first lower link arm 220a and the second lower link arm 220b are located below the first upper link arm 210a and the second upper link arm 210b. The first lower link arm 220a and the second lower link arm 220b are respectively disposed on both sides of the first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b. The first lower link arm 220a and the second lower link arm 220b can be fastened to the first upper link arm 210a and the second upper link arm 210b to perform sliding movement relative to the first upper link arm 210a and the second upper link arm 210b.

[0098] Reference Figure 2CEach of the first lower linkage arm 220a and the second lower linkage arm 220b includes a connecting shaft 222, a fastening portion 224, and a fixing portion 226. The connecting shafts 222 of the first lower linkage arm 220a and the second lower linkage arm 220b are respectively connected to the connecting portions of the first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b. Therefore, the first lower linkage arm 220a and the second lower linkage arm 220b can rotate in response to the first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b rotating about a pair of rotation axes.

[0099] The fastening portions 224 of the first lower link arm 220a and the second lower link arm 220b can be fastened to the fastening portions 154 of the first insertion member 150a and the second insertion member 150b, respectively, so that the first insertion member 150a and the second insertion member 150b can be folded or unfolded depending on whether the hinge assembly 200 is operated.

[0100] The fixing portion 226 of each of the first lower linkage arm 220a and the second lower linkage arm 220b is located in the top surface of the first lower linkage arm and the second lower linkage arm. The fixing portion 226 allows the first lower linkage arm 220a and the second lower linkage arm 220b to be connected to the first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b respectively to perform sliding movement. Specifically, the sliding connecting member 260 can be fastened to the fixing portion 226 of the first lower linkage arm 220a and the second lower linkage arm 220b respectively. The sliding connecting member 260 can be inserted into the guide portion 216 of the first upper linkage arm 210a and the second upper linkage arm 210b respectively to perform sliding movement. Figure 2C The diagram shows a structure in which an additional sliding connecting member 260 is fastened to the fixing portion 226 of the first lower link arm 220a and the second lower link arm 220b. However, as an example, the fixing portion 226 of the first lower link arm 220a and the second lower link arm 220b can be implemented to protrude outwards for use without the additional sliding connecting member 260. Therefore, a structure in which the guide portion 216 of each of the first upper link arm 210a and the second upper link arm 210b is fastened is also feasible. Although described as having the guide portion 216 formed in the first upper link arm 210a and the second upper link arm 210b, while the sliding connecting member 260 is formed in the first lower link arm 220a and the second lower link arm 220b, the implementation is not limited to this. As an example, the guide portion may be formed in the first lower link arm 220a and the second lower link arm 220b, while the sliding connecting member may be formed in the first upper link arm 210a and the second upper link arm 210b.

[0101] A retaining cap 250 secures the first upper gear 230a, the second upper gear 230b, the first lower gear 240a, the second lower gear 240b, and the support member 140. The retaining cap 250 includes a first fastening portion 252, a second fastening portion 254, and a third fastening portion 256. The first fastening portion 252 of the retaining cap 250 has a shape that extends into the display device and can be securely fastened to the fastening portion 142 of the support member 140. The second fastening portion 254 of the retaining cap 250 receives the first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b and can be fastened to the teeth of the first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b, for example, through holes formed in the teeth of the first upper gear 230a and the second upper gear 230b, respectively. The third fastening portion 256 of the fixing cap 250 accommodates the first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b, and can be fastened to the teeth of the first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b, for example, through holes formed in the teeth of the first lower gear 240a and the second lower gear 240b, respectively.

[0102] The following will refer to 4A to Figure 4C The structure and movement of the sliding plate 130 when the foldable display device 100 is folded and unfolded are described in detail.

[0103] Figures 4A to 4C This is a perspective view illustrating the movement of a sliding plate that moves according to folding in a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] Figure 4A The position of the sliding plate 130 is shown when the foldable display device is in the unfolded state, for example, when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are fully unfolded to form an angle of 180° therebetween.

[0105] Reference Figure 4A The sliding plate 130 is configured to have fixed allowances on the left and right sides within the second support region 122b. In this case, the spring member 135a is compressed by a predetermined amount. This can be achieved by the following process: during the manufacture of the foldable display device, the spring member 135a is compressed by a predetermined amount, the sliding plate 130 is positioned within the second support region 122b (e.g., the central portion of the second support region 122b), and then the display panel is attached to the sliding plate 130. As an example, the sliding plate 130 can be positioned such that the protrusion 134 contacts the spring member 135a. Therefore, in the unfolded state, the sliding plate 130 receives pressure from the spring member 135a.

[0106] Figure 4B The position of the sliding plate 130 is shown when the foldable display device is in an inward folded state, for example, when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are fully folded to house the display panel therein.

[0107] Reference Figure 4B The sliding plate 130 moves outward within the second support area 122b. A compressed spring member 135b applies pressure to the sliding plate 130 during the inward folding process to push it outward. As the sliding plate 130 moves outward, wrinkles in the display panel corresponding to the folded area can be reduced or suppressed.

[0108] Figure 4C The position of the sliding plate 130 is shown when the foldable display device is in the outward folded state, that is, when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are fully folded back so that the display panel is positioned on the outside.

[0109] Reference Figure 4C The sliding plate 130 moves inward within the second support area 122b. This is due to the increased radius of curvature of the folded area during the outward folding process, which applies a tensile force to the display panel. When the sliding plate 130 moves inward, the spring member can be compressed more than in the unfolded state.

[0110] On the other hand, when Figure 4C The outward folding state operation shown is as follows: Figure 4A In the unfolded state, the delayed recovery of the adhesion between the display panel and the housing causes warping and wrinkling of the display panel corresponding to the folded area. Therefore, a reverse folding, where the display panel folds outward again due to warping or wrinkling, may occur. In the foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, pressure can be applied to the display panel using the spring member 135b and the sliding plate 130. As an example, during operation from the outward folded state to the unfolded state, as... Figure 4A As shown, because there is a margin in the width direction of the sliding plate 130 equal to a predetermined distance outside the sliding plate 130, the spring member 135b, which is compressed by a predetermined amount in the unfolded state, moves the sliding plate outward. This can reduce or suppress the formation of wrinkles on the display panel.

[0111] The following will refer to Figures 5A to 5C Describe in detail the structure and movement of the sliding plate when the foldable display device is folded and unfolded.

[0112] Figures 5A to 5C This is a cross-sectional view of the movement of the housing of a foldable display device that moves inward according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] Reference Figure 5AThe upper linkage arms 210a and 210b and the lower linkage arms 220a and 220b are inserted into the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The lower linkage arms 220a and 220b are fastened to the guide portions 216 of the upper linkage arms 210a and 210b by a sliding connection member 260.

[0114] Subsequently, refer to Figure 5B and Figure 5C The inward folding is achieved by folding the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 upward. During this inward folding, the lower gears 240a and 240b are fixed, and the lower linkage arms 220a and 220b rotate upward about the central axis of the connection portion of the lower gears 240a and 240b. The connection portion of the upper gears 230a and 230b rotates upward relative to the teeth that serve as the central axis, and the upper linkage arms 210a and 210b rotate upward about the central axis of the connection portion. At this time, the lower linkage arms 220a and 220b slide along the guide portion 216 of the upper linkage arms 210a and 210b, and the housings 110 and 120 fixed to the upper linkage arms 210a and 210b slide away from the lower gears 240a and 240b.

[0115] Thus, in the foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, tension can be maintained on the display panel as the housing slides away from the lower gear and its shaft during inward folding. This can reduce or suppress the formation of wrinkles on the display panel corresponding to the folding area.

[0116] Figures 6A to 6C This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of the housing of a foldable display device that folds outward according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] Refer to 6B and Figure 6C The outward folding is achieved by folding the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 downward. During this outward folding, the upper gears 230a and 230b are fixed, and the upper connecting arms 210a and 210b rotate downward around the central axis of the connection between the upper gears 230a and 230b. The connection between the lower gears 240a and 240b rotates downward around the teeth, and the lower connecting arms 220a and 220b rotate downward around the central axis of the connection between the lower gears 240a and 240b. At this time, the lower connecting arms 220a and 220b slide along the guide portion 216 of the upper connecting arms 210a and 210b, and the housings 110 and 120 fixed to the upper connecting arms 210a and 210b slide in a direction closer to the lower gears 240a and 240b.

[0118] Thus, in the foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, during outward folding, the housing slides in a direction closer to the lower gear and the axis of the lower gear.

[0119] As in Figures 5A to 6C As confirmed in the present disclosure, the foldable display device according to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can implement both outward folding and inward folding. In particular, from... Figure 6C The outward folding state shown has been switched to Figure 5C During the inward folding process shown, the delayed recovery of the adhesive between the display panel and the housing may cause warping and wrinkling of the display panel corresponding to the folded area. However, as shown in... Figure 6C Compared to the outward folding shown, in the case of... Figure 5C During the inward folding process shown, the housing can move away from the gears, thus applying outward tension to the display panel. Therefore, the display panel can maintain tension during the transition from outward folding to inward folding, thereby reducing or suppressing the appearance of wrinkles on the display panel.

[0120] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be described as follows: According to one aspect of this disclosure, a foldable display device is provided. The foldable display device includes: a first housing and a second housing, the first housing and the second housing being arranged adjacent to each other and respectively supporting two different portions of a display panel; a sliding plate disposed on an upper surface of at least one of the first housing and the second housing; a spring member transmitting pressure to the sliding plate, causing the sliding plate to move outward; a support member disposed between the first housing and the second housing and supporting the display panel; a first insertion member disposed between the first housing and the support member; a second insertion member disposed between the second housing and the support member; and a hinge assembly connecting the first housing and the second housing and configured to perform folding and unfolding movements of the first housing and the second housing.

[0121] Each of the first housing and the second housing may include a cover located below the display panel. A support body is disposed on the cover; a frame surrounds the support body and the cover; a support portion is formed on the support body such that the display panel is placed on the support portion; and a receiving portion is formed between the support body and the cover to receive at least a portion of the first insertion member and at least a portion of the second insertion member.

[0122] The support may include a first support area and a second support area at a lower height than the first support area to form a step, and the sliding plate may be disposed in the second support area and have a width smaller than that of the second support area.

[0123] The support may also include a groove, in which a protrusion formed on the rear surface of the sliding plate is received to fix the sliding plate, and the spring member may be disposed in the groove.

[0124] The spring member is compressed by a predetermined amount in an unfolded state where the first housing and the second housing are unfolded to form an angle of 180° between the first housing and the second housing, and the sliding plate can be configured to have slack on both the inner and outer sides within the second support area.

[0125] The hinge assembly may include: a first upper gear and a second upper gear, each including teeth that engage with each other and a connecting portion located outside the teeth; a first lower gear and a second lower gear, disposed below the first and second upper gears, each including teeth that engage with each other and a connecting portion located outside the teeth; a first upper linkage arm and a second upper linkage arm, each fastened to the connecting portion of the first and second upper gears; and a first lower linkage arm and a second lower linkage arm, each fastened to the connecting portion of the first and second lower gears. The first upper linkage arm and the second upper linkage arm may be fixedly fastened to the first housing and the second housing, respectively, and the first lower linkage arm and the second lower linkage arm may be fastened to the first insertion member and the second insertion member, respectively.

[0126] The first upper link arm and the second upper link arm may further include guide portions formed on the rear surfaces of the first upper link arm and the second upper link arm, respectively, and the first lower link arm and the second lower link arm may be connected to the guide portions of the first upper link arm and the second upper link arm, respectively, to perform sliding movement.

[0127] The foldable display device may further include a fixing cap, which is fastened to the support member and accommodates the first upper gear, the second upper gear, the first lower gear, and the second lower gear.

[0128] The first housing and the second housing can slide away from the first lower gear and the second lower gear during the inward folding movement of the display panel located inside the foldable display device.

[0129] The sliding plate can slide outward during the inward folding movement of the display panel, which can be disposed inside the foldable display device.

[0130] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can be implemented in many different forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are illustrative in all respects and do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope thereof should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0131] Cross-reference to related applications

[0132] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0087740, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 15, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Claims

1. A foldable display device, the foldable display device comprising: A first housing and a second housing are arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction and respectively support two different parts of the display panel; A sliding plate, the sliding plate being disposed on the upper surface of at least one of the first housing and the second housing; A force-applying member configured to apply a force outward to the sliding plate in the first direction; A support member is disposed between the first housing and the second housing and supports the display panel; A first insertion member is disposed between the first housing and the support member; A second insertion member is disposed between the second housing and the support member; as well as A hinge assembly connecting the first housing and the second housing and configured to perform folding and unfolding movements of the first housing and the second housing. Each of the first insertion member and the second insertion member includes a recess extending in the second direction. The hinge assembly includes: A first upper gear and a second upper gear, the first upper gear and the second upper gear respectively including teeth that engage with each other and a connecting portion located outside the teeth in the first direction; and The first lower gear and the second lower gear are respectively disposed below the first upper gear and the second upper gear, and each includes teeth that engage with each other and a connecting portion located outside the teeth in the first direction.

2. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display panel is attached to the sliding plate.

3. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first housing and the second housing includes a support located below the display panel.

4. The foldable display device according to claim 3, wherein, The support of at least one of the first and second housings includes a first support area and a second support area located at a lower height than the first support area to form a step, and The sliding plate is disposed in the second support area and has a narrower width than the second support area in the first direction.

5. The foldable display device according to claim 4, wherein, The protrusion of the sliding plate fixes the sliding plate by receiving the force from the force-applying member.

6. The foldable display device according to claim 5, wherein, The protrusion is formed on the rear surface of the sliding plate, and The support also includes a groove, in which the protrusion and the force-applying member are disposed.

7. The foldable display device according to claim 4, wherein, In the unfolded state, where the first and second housings are deployed to form a 180° angle between them, the force-applying member is compressed, and The sliding plate is configured to have slack on both the inner and outer sides of the second support area in the first direction within the second support region in the unfolded state.

8. The foldable display device according to claim 4, wherein, The first support area is positioned closer to the support member than the second support area.

9. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein, The force-applying component is composed of a spring component.

10. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge assembly also includes: A first upper linkage arm and a second upper linkage arm, the first upper linkage arm and the second upper linkage arm being respectively fastened to the connecting portion of the first upper gear and the connecting portion of the second upper gear; and A first lower linkage arm and a second lower linkage arm are respectively fastened to the connecting portion of the first lower gear and the connecting portion of the second lower gear, and... The first upper linkage arm and the second upper linkage arm are respectively fixedly fastened to the first housing and the second housing, and The first lower link arm and the second lower link arm are respectively fastened to the first insertion member and the second insertion member.

11. The foldable display device according to claim 10, wherein, The first upper linkage arm and the second upper linkage arm further include guide portions formed on the rear surfaces of the first upper linkage arm and the second upper linkage arm, respectively. The first lower link arm and the second lower link arm are respectively connected to the guide portion of the first upper link arm and the guide portion of the second upper link arm to perform sliding movement relative to the first upper link arm and the second upper link arm.

12. The foldable display device according to claim 10, further comprising: A fixing cap is fastened to the support member and accommodates the first upper gear, the second upper gear, the first lower gear, and the second lower gear.

13. The foldable display device according to claim 11, wherein, The first housing and the second housing are configured to slide away from the first lower gear and the second lower gear during the inward folding movement of the two different portions of the display panel facing each other.

14. The foldable display device according to claim 10, wherein, Both the first upper gear and the second upper gear have a biaxial gear shape including the teeth and the connecting portion, and The center of the connecting portion of the first upper gear and the center of the connecting portion of the second upper gear serve as the rotation axis for the rotation of the first upper linkage arm and the rotation axis for the rotation of the second upper linkage arm, respectively.

15. The foldable display device according to claim 10, wherein, Both the first lower gear and the second lower gear have a biaxial gear shape including the teeth and the connecting portion, and The center of the connecting portion of the first lower gear and the center of the connecting portion of the second lower gear serve as the rotation axis for the rotation of the first lower connecting arm and the rotation axis for the rotation of the second lower connecting arm, respectively.

16. The foldable display device according to claim 10, wherein, The rotation axis of the teeth and the rotation axis of the connecting portion of the first upper gear are located on the same plane as the rotation axis of the teeth and the rotation axis of the connecting portion of the second upper gear, and The rotation axis of the teeth of each of the first lower gear and the second lower gear and the rotation axis of the connecting portion are located on different planes from each other.

17. The foldable display device according to claim 7, wherein, During the inward folding movement of the two different portions of the display panel, which are positioned to face each other, the slide plate slides outward.

18. The foldable display device according to claim 7, wherein, During the outward folding movement of the two different portions of the display panel, which are configured to face outward in opposite directions, the sliding plate slides inward.

19. A foldable display device, the foldable display device comprising: The display panel includes a first part and a second part; A first housing, configured to support the first portion of the display panel; A second housing, adjacent to the first housing and configured to support the second portion of the display panel, the second housing including a recess; A sliding plate, the sliding plate being located in the recess of the second housing and connected to a portion of the second part of the display panel, wherein when the foldable display device is in the unfolded state, the sliding plate has a first side spaced apart from the inner side of the recess and a second side spaced apart from the outer side of the recess; A support member is disposed between the first housing and the second housing and supports the display panel; A first insertion member is disposed between the first housing and the support member; A second insertion member is disposed between the second housing and the support member; as well as A hinge assembly connected to the first housing and the second housing, the hinge assembly being configured to fold the foldable display device from the unfolded state in a first direction, and to fold the foldable display device from the unfolded state in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Each of the first insertion member and the second insertion member includes a recess extending in the second direction. The hinge assembly includes: A first upper gear and a second upper gear, the first upper gear and the second upper gear respectively including teeth that engage with each other and a connecting portion located outside the teeth in the first direction; and The first lower gear and the second lower gear are respectively disposed below the first upper gear and the second upper gear, and each includes teeth that engage with each other and a connecting portion located outside the teeth in the first direction.

20. The foldable display device according to claim 19, further comprising: A spring member, which contacts the sliding plate, is compressed and applies pressure to the sliding plate when the foldable display device is in the unfolded state. The second housing includes a groove, and the spring member is located in the groove. The sliding plate includes a protrusion that protrudes from the rear surface of the sliding plate and is located in the groove to connect the sliding plate to the second housing.

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