Foldable display device
By using a simple connection structure of multiple rotors and followers, the symmetric folding and deployment of the foldable display device is achieved, which solves the problem of difficult to achieve symmetry and high manufacturing cost in the prior art, and simplifies the equipment structure.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411507615.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-07-22
- Filing Date
- 2020-05-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-03
AI Technical Summary
The existing foldable display equipment is difficult to achieve symmetry during folding and deploying, and the manufacturing cost is high, and the configuration of complex driving mechanisms and multiple complex gears, springs and other components is complicated.
A simple connection structure of multiple rotors and followers is adopted, and a two-axis articulated structure is realized through the rotating movement of the rotor and the linear movement of the followers, eliminating complex driving mechanisms and multiple complex components, and reducing manufacturing costs.
The symmetrical folding and deployment of the foldable display device is realized, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying structural design.
Smart Images
Figure CN119252148A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0088463 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 22, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0003] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device. Background Art
[0004] Recently, research and development of foldable display devices, bendable display devices, rollable display devices, etc. that utilize the advantages of flexible display panels that can be bent or folded are being conducted. Such display devices can be applied to various fields such as televisions and monitors as well as portable electronic devices and wearable devices.
[0005] The foldable display device may be implemented in an inner-folding structure in which display surfaces are folded to face each other, or may be implemented in an outer-folding structure in which display surfaces are folded outward.
[0006] The foldable display device includes a hinge device for assisting folding and supporting a folded shape and / or an unfolded shape of the foldable display device. Research and development of a hinge device for reducing manufacturing costs while accurately assisting folding / unfolding of a foldable display device is ongoing. Summary of the invention
[0007] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable display device including a hinge device is provided. According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable display device is provided, which controls the symmetrical folding of a display panel by using the interaction of the rotational movement of a rotor and the linear movement (or straight line movement) of a follower.
[0008] However, aspects and objects of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and may be variously extended without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0009] According to one or more embodiments, a foldable display device includes: a display panel, including a first display area, a second display area, and a foldable display area located between the first display area and the second display area; a first substrate, overlapping with a portion of the foldable display area to guide the folding and unfolding of the display panel; a second substrate, overlapping with another portion of the foldable display area to guide the folding and unfolding of the display panel together with the first substrate; a first rotor, connected to the first substrate to rotate around a first virtual rotation axis; a second rotor, connected to the second substrate to rotate around a second virtual rotation axis in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first rotor; a follower, contacting the first rotor and the second rotor and reciprocating in a first direction by rotation of at least one of the first rotor and the second rotor; and a bracket, connected to the first rotor and the second rotor to guide the rotation path of each of the first rotor and the second rotor.
[0010] According to an embodiment, the foldable display device may further include a hinged cover coupled to the bracket to restrict movement of the follower in a direction other than the first direction.
[0011] According to an embodiment, the follower may be arranged between the bracket and the hinged cover.
[0012] According to an embodiment, the first rotor may include a curved surface having a diameter corresponding to the first virtual rotation axis, and a first groove on the curved surface and having a spiral shape.
[0013] According to an embodiment, the second rotor may include a curved surface having a diameter corresponding to the second virtual rotation axis, and a second groove on the curved surface and having a spiral shape.
[0014] According to an embodiment, the follower may include: a first pin arranged to be inserted into a first groove of the first rotor and move in the first groove; and a second pin arranged to be inserted into a second groove of the second rotor and move in the second groove. The first pin and the second pin may convert the rotation of the first rotor and the second rotor into a linear movement of the follower, and the first direction may be parallel to the first virtual rotation axis and the second virtual rotation axis.
[0015] According to an embodiment, the first rotor and the second rotor may simultaneously rotate at the same angle in opposite directions to each other.
[0016] According to an embodiment, the spiral directions of the first groove and the second groove may be opposite to each other.
[0017] According to an embodiment, the bracket may include: a first side portion, arranged to engage with a side surface of the first rotor to guide the rotation path of the first rotor; and a second side portion, corresponding to an opposite side of the first side portion, and arranged to engage with the side surface of the second rotor to guide the rotation path of the second rotor.
[0018] According to an embodiment, a first side surface of the first rotor may be in surface contact with a first side surface of the follower, and a first side surface of the second rotor may be in surface contact with a second side surface of the follower, the second side surface of the follower being opposite to the first side surface of the follower.
[0019] According to an embodiment, when the first rotor rotates in a clockwise direction, the follower may move in a first direction parallel to the first and second virtual rotation axes, and when the first rotor rotates in a counterclockwise direction, the follower may move in a direction opposite to the first direction.
[0020] According to an embodiment, on a plane, the first side surface of the follower and the second side surface of the follower may be symmetrical to each other relative to a symmetry axis corresponding to a second direction, and the second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the display surface of the display panel in the unfolded state.
[0021] According to an embodiment, the bracket may include: a first bracket arranged to engage with the second side surface of the first rotor to guide the rotation path of the first rotor; and a second bracket arranged to engage with the second side surface of the second rotor to guide the rotation path of the second rotor. The foldable display device may include a first hinge group including the first rotor, the second rotor, the first bracket, the second bracket and a follower.
[0022] According to an embodiment, the foldable display device may further include a second hinge group having the same structure as the first hinge group and arranged to be spaced apart from the first hinge group in the first direction. The second hinge group may be configured in a form in which the first hinge group is rotated 180° on a plane.
[0023] According to an embodiment, when the display panel is folded or unfolded, the follower included in the first hinge group and the follower included in the second hinge group may simultaneously move in directions opposite to each other.
[0024] According to an embodiment, the follower may include: a first guide hole located in a first side surface in contact with the first rotor; and a second guide hole located in a second side surface in contact with the second rotor. The width of each of the first guide hole and the second guide hole in the horizontal direction may be greater than the width of each of the first guide hole and the second guide hole in the vertical direction.
[0025] According to an embodiment, the first rotor may include a first protrusion portion arranged on a first side surface of the first rotor to be inserted into the first guide hole, and the second rotor may include a second protrusion portion arranged on the first side surface of the second rotor to be inserted into the second guide hole.
[0026] According to an embodiment, a portion of the first protrusion portion contacting the inside of the first guide hole may be changed by rotation of the first rotor, and a portion of the second protrusion portion contacting the inside of the second guide hole may be changed by rotation of the second rotor.
[0027] According to an embodiment, the bracket may include: a first bracket arranged to engage with a second side surface on an opposite side of the first side surface of the first rotor to guide the rotation path of the first rotor; and a second bracket arranged to engage with the second side surface on an opposite side of the first side surface of the second rotor to guide the rotation path of the second rotor.
[0028] According to an embodiment, the first direction may correspond to a vertical direction.
[0029] A foldable display device including a hinge device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve folding and unfolding by using a simple connection structure of multiple rotors and followers and a dual-axis hinge structure based on the rotational movement of the rotor and the linear movement (vertical movement or horizontal movement) of the follower. Therefore, the folding / unfolding angles of the first substrate (and the first panel supporting member) and the second substrate (and the second panel supporting member) are consistent, and symmetrical folding / unfolding of the foldable display device can be achieved. In addition, by eliminating the configuration including a complex driving mechanism and multiple complex gears, springs, etc. and realizing a dual-axis hinge mechanism with a simple structure, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0030] However, aspects and effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned aspects and effects, and may be variously extended without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The above and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a foldable display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0033] Figure 2A It is shown that the Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a portion of a hinge device in a foldable display device;
[0034] Figure 2B It is shown Figure 2AAn exploded perspective view of an example of a portion of an articulated device;
[0035] Figure 3 Is shown driving Figure 2A A perspective view of an example of a method of articulating a device;
[0036] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C It is schematically shown Figure 3 A diagram showing an example of a method of driving an articulated device;
[0037] Figure 5A It is shown that the Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an example of a portion of a hinge device in a foldable display device;
[0038] Figure 5B It is shown Figure 5A An exploded perspective view of an example of a portion of an articulated device;
[0039] Figure 6 Is shown driving Figure 5A A perspective view of an example of a method of articulating a device;
[0040] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5A A plan view of an example of an articulated device;
[0041] Figure 8 Is shown driving Figure 7 A plan view of an example of a method of articulating a device;
[0042] Fig.9A It is shown that the Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an example of a portion of a hinge device in a foldable display device;
[0043] Fig. 9B It is shown Fig.9A An exploded perspective view of an example of a portion of an articulated device;
[0044] Fig.10 Is shown driving Fig.9A A perspective view of an example of a method of articulating a device; and
[0045] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C It is schematically shown Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a method of driving an articulated device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] Herein, some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The same reference numerals are used for the same components in the accompanying drawings, and repeated descriptions of the same components may be omitted.
[0047] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, it can be directly on the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.
[0048] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another component. Therefore, within the technical spirit of the present invention, the "first" component described below may be a second component. When interpreting the singular, it can be interpreted as a plural meaning unless explicitly described otherwise.
[0049] Meanwhile, in order to clearly illustrate the present invention, some elements that are not directly related to the features of the present invention in the drawings may be omitted. In addition, some elements in the drawings may be shown with slightly exaggerated sizes, proportions, etc. In all drawings, for the same or similar constituent elements, even if they are shown in different drawings, the same reference numerals and symbols may be provided, and repeated descriptions may be omitted.
[0050] It should also be understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” as used herein specify the presence of stated features or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or components.
[0051] In the embodiments described herein, when a layer, a region or a component is connected to another layer, a region or a component, the layers, the regions or the components may be directly connected to each other, and the layers, the regions or the components may also be indirectly connected to each other via another layer, the region or the component therebetween.
[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept belong. It should also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such herein.
[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a foldable display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0054] Reference Figure 1 , the foldable display device may include a display panel DP, a first panel supporting member DS1 , a second panel supporting member DS2 , and a hinge device 100 .
[0055] like Figure 1 As shown in , the foldable display device can display images on a display surface (for example, shown as FDA, DA1 and DA2). The display surface of the foldable display device in a fully unfolded (flat) state is parallel to a surface defined by a first direction axis (herein, first direction DR1) and a second direction axis (herein, second direction DR2). The third direction axis (herein, third direction DR3) represents the normal direction of the display surface, that is, the thickness direction of the display panel DP.
[0056] However, the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 shown in the present embodiment are merely examples, and directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 are relative concepts and may be converted into different directions.
[0057] In an embodiment, the foldable display device may be folded in an inner folding manner in which the display surfaces are folded to face each other. However, this is an example, and the foldable display device may include an outer folding region and may include a plurality of folding regions.
[0058] In an embodiment, Figure 1 The foldable display device may have a folding axis parallel to the first direction DR1. For example, the foldable display device may be applied to an electronic device that is folded left and right.
[0059] The display panel DP may be a flexible display panel. For example, the display panel DP may include a flexible substrate such as a plastic film, and may display an image by using a pixel circuit (e.g., a plurality of transistors) and a light-emitting element such as an organic light-emitting diode disposed on the flexible substrate. The light-emitting element and the pixel circuit may be covered with a thin film encapsulation layer. The thin film encapsulation layer may seal the light-emitting element to isolate it from the external air environment including water and oxygen, thereby suppressing characteristic degradation. Here, the light-emitting element is not limited to an organic light-emitting diode. For example, the light-emitting element may be an inorganic light-emitting element including an inorganic light-emitting material or a light-emitting element (quantum dot display element) that emits light by changing the wavelength of the emitted light using quantum dots.
[0060] The display panel DP may include a display area formed by pixels. The display area may include a first display area DA1, a second display area DA2, and a foldable display area FDA between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. The foldable display area FDA may include a portion (e.g., a curved portion) that can be greatly changed in shape by the hinge device 100.
[0061] In an embodiment, the foldable display device may further include an input sensing sensor disposed on the display surface of the display panel DP or embedded in the display panel DP. In an embodiment, the input sensing sensor may include any one of a touch sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a movement sensor, an iris sensor, etc.
[0062] A transparent cover window may be provided outside the display surface of the display panel DP. The cover window protects the display panel DP from external impacts, scratches, etc., while transmitting the image of the display panel DP as is. In an embodiment, the cover window may include a transparent material having rigidity and flexibility.
[0063] In an implementation, the first panel supporting member DS1 and the second panel supporting member DS2 may include a metal or plastic material. The first panel supporting member DS1 and the second panel supporting member DS2 may be attached to a surface opposite to a display surface of the display panel DP.
[0064] The first panel support member DS1 may support a first area of the display panel DP including the first display area DA1. The second panel support member DS2 may support a second area of the display panel DP including the second display area DA2. In an embodiment, the first panel support member DS1 and the second panel support member DS2 may be attached to a surface of the display panel DP by an adhesive.
[0065] The first panel supporting member DS1 and the second panel supporting member DS2 can support the display panel DP and allow the display panel DP to maintain a constant shape. When the foldable display device is unfolded, the first panel supporting member DS1 and the second panel supporting member DS2 keep the display panel DP in a flat shape, and when the foldable display device is folded, the first panel supporting member DS1 and the second panel supporting member DS2 keep the display panel DP in a constant folded shape. In addition, the first panel supporting member DS1 and the second panel supporting member DS2 can protect the display panel DP from external impact, pollution, etc.
[0066] In an embodiment, the other surfaces of the first and second panel supporting members DS1 and DS2 forming the exterior of the foldable display device may include a flat surface or have at least one curved surface.
[0067] The first panel support member DS1 may be coupled to the first substrate BP1. The second panel support member DS2 may be coupled to the second substrate BP2. The first and second panel support members DS1 and DS2 may (dependently) move simultaneously with the rotation (rotational movement) of the first and second substrates BP1 and BP2.
[0068] The hinge device 100 may include a first base plate BP1, a second base plate BP2, and a hinge cover HC. The hinge device 100 may also include a plurality of components disposed in the hinge cover HC to directly rotate the first base plate BP1 and the second base plate BP2. For example, the hinge device 100 may include components such as a rotor, a follower, a bracket, etc. Fig. 11C The configuration and operation of the articulating device 100 according to one or more embodiments are described in more detail.
[0069] In an embodiment, the hinge device 100 may be formed as a two-axis hinge structure. The two-axis hinge structure has two rotation axes, and the first substrate BP1 and the second substrate BP2 may rotate based on their respective rotation axes.
[0070] In an implementation, the first substrate BP1 and the second substrate BP2 may include metal or plastic material.
[0071] The first substrate BP1 may overlap a portion of the foldable display area FDA to guide the folding and unfolding of the display panel DP. The second substrate BP2 may overlap another portion of the foldable display area FDA to guide the folding and unfolding of the display panel DP together with the first substrate BP1. In an embodiment, the first substrate BP1 and the second substrate BP2 may be rotated in parallel (e.g., simultaneously) in opposite directions to each other at the same angle.
[0072] In an embodiment, the first and second substrates BP1 and BP2 may include a plurality of fastening holes 10, 20, 30, and 40. Each of the first and second substrates BP1 and BP2 may be connected to or coupled with another member by a fixing pin or a fixing screw passing through the fastening holes 10, 20, 30, and 40.
[0073] For example, the first base plate BP1 and the rotor within the hinge cover HC may be coupled to each other through the first fastening hole 10. Also, the second base plate BP2 and another rotor within the hinge cover HC may be coupled to each other through the second fastening hole 20.
[0074] The first panel support member DS1 may be coupled to the first substrate BP1. In an embodiment, a portion of the first panel support member DS1 may be disposed under the first substrate BP1. For example, the first substrate BP1 and the first panel support member DS1 may be coupled to each other through the third fastening hole 30.
[0075] Similarly, the second panel support member DS2 may be coupled to the second substrate BP2. The second substrate BP2 and the second panel support member DS2 may be coupled to each other through the fourth fastening holes 40.
[0076] In an embodiment, the hinge cover HC may include a metal or plastic material. The hinge cover HC may constrain (support) and protect internal components that substantially perform a hinge operation.
[0077] The foldable display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be symmetrically folded and unfolded through arrangement and interaction of components included in the hinge device 100 .
[0078] Figure 2A It is shown that the Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a portion of a hinge device in a foldable display device; and Figure 2B It is shown Figure 2A An exploded perspective view of an example of a portion of an articulated device.
[0079] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B In an embodiment, the hinge device 100 may include a first base plate 110, a second base plate 120, a first rotor 130, a second rotor 140, a follower 150 (or a slider), a bracket 160, and a hinge cover 170. In an embodiment, the hinge device 100 may further include a first folding assist member 180 and a second folding assist member 190.
[0080] In embodiments, components included in the articulating device 100 may include metal and / or plastic materials.
[0081] The first substrate 110 may overlap a portion of the foldable display area FDA to guide folding and unfolding of the display panel DP. The first substrate 110 may include a first rotor 130 and auxiliary rotors 181 and 191 for coupling. Figure 1 In addition, the first substrate 110 may include a first fastening hole 10 for coupling with the first panel supporting member DS1. Figure 1 The third fastening hole 30 is provided.
[0082] The second substrate 120 may overlap another portion of the foldable display area FDA to guide the folding and unfolding of the display panel DP. The second substrate 120 may include a second rotor 140 and auxiliary rotors 182 and 192 for coupling. Figure 1 In addition, the second substrate 120 may include a second fastening hole 20 for coupling with the second panel supporting member DS2. Figure 1 The fourth fastening hole 40 is provided.
[0083] In an implementation, the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 may be disposed symmetrically to each other.
[0084] The first rotor 130 may be coupled to the first substrate 110 and may be disposed to rotate about a first virtual rotation axis. The first rotor 130 may be disposed on the follower 150 .
[0085] In an embodiment, the first rotor 130 may have a shape in which a portion of a cylinder is vertically cut. That is, the first rotor 130 may include a curved surface having a diameter corresponding to the first virtual rotation axis. The surface of the curved surface of the first rotor 130 may include a first groove 132 in a spiral shape.
[0086] The side surface 134 of the first rotor 130 may be coupled to the bracket 160. For example, the side surface 134 of the first rotor 130 may include an arc-shaped protrusion. The protrusion of the first rotor 130 may engage with the first side portion 162 of the bracket 160. For example, the arc-shaped protrusion of the side surface 134 of the first rotor 130 may be coupled to the first side portion 162 of the bracket 160 so as to be inserted into the first side portion 162 of the bracket 160. Therefore, the first rotor 130 may rotate depending on the shape of the first side portion 162 of the bracket 160. That is, the first side portion 162 of the bracket 160 may guide the rotation path of the first rotor 130.
[0087] In an embodiment, the first rotor 130 may include a Figure 1 The first rotor 130 and the first base plate 110 can be connected by fixing pins or fixing screws to the first base plate 110. Figure 1 The first fastening hole 10 and the hole 136 are connected to each other.
[0088] The second rotor 140 may be coupled to the second substrate 120 and may be disposed to rotate about a second virtual rotation axis. The second rotor 140 may be disposed on the follower 150 .
[0089] The second rotor 140 may have a shape substantially the same as that of the first rotor 130, and may include a second groove 142 in a spiral shape on a surface of the curved shape. However, the second groove 142 of the second rotor 140 may be formed in an opposite direction to the first groove 132 of the first rotor 130. That is, the spiral directions of the first groove 132 and the second groove 142 may be opposite to each other.
[0090] According to an embodiment, the cross-sections of the first and second grooves 132 and 142 may have a rectangular shape or a trapezoidal shape.
[0091] The side surface 144 of the second rotor 140 may be engaged with the second side portion 164 of the bracket 160. For example, the arc-shaped protruding portion of the side surface 144 of the second rotor 140 may be coupled to the second side portion 164 of the bracket 160 so as to be inserted into the second side portion 164 of the bracket 160. Therefore, the second rotor 140 may rotate depending on the shape of the second side portion 164 of the bracket 160. That is, the second side portion 164 of the bracket 160 may guide the rotation path of the second rotor 140.
[0092] In an embodiment, the second rotor 140 may include a Figure 1 The second rotor 140 and the second base plate 120 can be connected to the second fastening hole 20 by fixing pins or fixing screws. Figure 1 The second fastening hole 20 and the hole 146 are connected to each other.
[0093] In an embodiment, the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140 may simultaneously rotate in opposite directions to each other.
[0094] The follower 150 may be disposed between the bracket 160 and the hinge cover 170. The bracket 160 may restrict movement of the follower 150 in directions other than the first direction DR1. The first direction DR1 may be a direction parallel to the rotation axis and the folding axis.
[0095] In an embodiment, the follower 150 may be disposed to overlap the first rotor 130, the second rotor 140, and the bracket 160. The follower 150 may contact the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140. The follower 150 may reciprocate in the first direction DR1 by rotation of the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140.
[0096] The follower 150 may include a first pin 152 and a second pin 154. Figure 2B , the first pin 152 and the second pin 154 are shown as being separated from the follower 150 , but this is illustrative, and in an embodiment, the first pin 152 and the second pin 154 may be integrally formed with the follower 150 .
[0097] The first pin 152 may be provided to be inserted into the first groove 132 and may be moved in the first groove 132 subject to (depending on) the rotation of the first rotor 130. The second pin 154 may be provided to be inserted into the second groove 142 and may be moved in the second groove 142 subject to (depending on) the rotation of the second rotor 140.
[0098] The first pin 152 and the second pin 154 can convert the rotation (or rotational movement) of the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140 into the linear movement of the driven member 150. That is, the movement of the first rotor 130, the second rotor 140 and the driven member 150 can be restricted to affect each other. In an embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the first pin 152 and the second pin 154 can be a rectangular shape or a trapezoidal shape corresponding to the first groove 132 and the second groove 142, respectively.
[0099] For example, the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140 may be rotated in opposite directions by folding or unfolding the foldable display device. The rotation of the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140 causes force to be applied to the first pin 152 and the second pin 154, and therefore, the follower 150 may be pushed in the first direction DR1 or in a direction opposite to the first direction DR1. In addition, the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140 may be rotated in parallel (e.g., simultaneously) by the same amount of rotation by the restraining force of the follower 150. That is, the first rotor 130, the second rotor 140, and the follower 150 may operate with each other similar to a cylindrical cam drive principle or a lead screw drive principle.
[0100] The bracket 160 may be coupled to the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140. The bracket 160 may guide a rotation path of each of the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140. In an embodiment, the bracket 160 may be provided to be inserted into the hinge cover 170. The bracket 160 may restrict movement of the follower 150 in directions other than the first direction DR1.
[0101] In an implementation, the bracket 160 may include a first side portion 162 , a second side portion 164 , and a fixing hole 166 .
[0102] The first side portion 162 may be disposed to engage with the side surface 134 of the first rotor 130. A rotation path of the first rotor 130 may be guided based on a shape of the first side portion 162 and a coupling form of the first side portion 162 and the first rotor 130.
[0103] The second side portion 164 may correspond to an opposite side of the first side portion 162. The second side portion 164 may be disposed to engage with the side surface 144 of the second rotor 140. The rotation path of the second rotor 140 may be guided based on the shape of the second side portion 164 and the coupling form of the second side portion 164 and the second rotor 140.
[0104] A fixing member (eg, a fixing pin, a fixing screw, etc.) for coupling and fixing the bracket 160 to the hinge cover 170 may be inserted into the fixing hole 166 .
[0105] The hinged cover 170 may be coupled to the bracket 160 to restrict movement of the follower 150 in directions other than the first direction DR1. The hinged cover 170 may include at least one protrusion into which the follower 150, the bracket 160, etc. are inserted, and a groove in which the follower 150, the bracket 160, etc. are fitted.
[0106] In an embodiment, the hinge device 100 may further include a first folding assist member 180 and a second folding assist member 190. The first folding assist member 180 and the second folding assist member 190 may respectively perform functions of assisting and reinforcing the hinged coupling of the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140 to the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. For example, the first folding assist member 180 and the second folding assist member 190 may be provided on the hinge cover 170 to be spaced apart from the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140, and may be coupled to the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120.
[0107] The first folding assisting member 180 may include a first auxiliary rotator 181 , a second auxiliary rotator 182 , and a first auxiliary bracket 183 disposed between the first auxiliary rotator 181 and the second auxiliary rotator 182 .
[0108] The first auxiliary rotor 181 may be coupled to the first substrate 110 and may rotate in the same manner as the first rotor 130. The second auxiliary rotor 182 may be coupled to the second substrate 120 and may rotate in the same manner as the second rotor 140.
[0109] The first auxiliary bracket 183 may guide a rotation path of the first and second auxiliary rotors 181 and 182 , and may restrict movement other than rotational movement of the first and second auxiliary rotors 181 and 182 .
[0110] The second folding assisting member 190 may include a third auxiliary rotator 191 , a fourth auxiliary rotator 192 , and a second auxiliary bracket 193 disposed between the third auxiliary rotator 191 and the fourth auxiliary rotator 192 .
[0111] The third auxiliary rotor 191 may be coupled to the first substrate 110 and may rotate in the same manner as the first rotor 130. The fourth auxiliary rotor 192 may be coupled to the second substrate 120 and may rotate in the same manner as the second rotor 140.
[0112] The second auxiliary bracket 193 may guide the rotation paths of the third and fourth auxiliary rotors 191 and 192 , and may restrict movement other than the rotational movement of the third and fourth auxiliary rotors 191 and 192 .
[0113] The first auxiliary rotor 181 and the third auxiliary rotor 191 may assist the rotation (hinge drive) of the first substrate 110. The second auxiliary rotor 182 and the fourth auxiliary rotor 192 may assist the rotation (hinge drive) of the second substrate 120.
[0114] Since the rotation method of the first to fourth auxiliary rotors 181 , 182 , 191 , and 192 may be substantially the same as the rotation method of the first and second rotors 130 and 140 by the bracket 160 , repeated description is omitted.
[0115] As described above, the foldable display device including the hinge device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can perform folding and unfolding using a dual-axis hinge structure through the interaction of the rotational movement of the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140 and the linear movement of the follower 150. Therefore, the folding / unfolding angles of the first substrate 110 (and the first panel support member DS1) and the second substrate 120 (and the second panel support member DS2) are consistent, and symmetrical folding / unfolding of the foldable display device can be achieved. In addition, by eliminating the configuration including a complex driving mechanism and a plurality of complex gears, springs, etc., and realizing a dual-axis hinge mechanism based on the connection of the first rotor 130, the second rotor 140 and the follower 150, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0116] Figure 3 Is shown driving Figure 2A A perspective view of an example of a method of articulating a device; and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C It is schematically shown Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a method of driving an articulated device.
[0117] For example, FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C shows the first direction DR1 when viewed Figure 3 Schematic plan shape of an articulated device.
[0118] Reference Figures 1 to 4C , the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140 of the hinge device 100 may rotate in opposite directions in parallel (eg, simultaneously), and thus, the foldable display device may be folded or unfolded.
[0119] When the foldable display device is fully unfolded ( Figure 3 In the state represented by FLAT in Figure 4A As shown in , the horizontal surfaces of the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140 may be positioned parallel to the foldable display device. The horizontal surfaces of the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140 may be surfaces opposite to each curved surface.
[0120] When the foldable display device is folded at a certain angle (e.g., a predetermined angle), the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140 may rotate in opposite directions. For example, the first rotor 130 may rotate in a clockwise direction around the first virtual rotation axis RX1, and the second rotor 140 may rotate in a counterclockwise direction around the second virtual rotation axis RX2. Conversely, when the foldable display device is unfolded, the first rotor 130 may rotate in a counterclockwise direction, and the second rotor 140 may rotate in a clockwise direction.
[0121] The position of the first pin 152 may be changed in the first groove 132 by the rotation of the first rotor 130, and the position of the second pin 154 may be changed in the second groove 142 by the rotation of the second rotor 140. Since each of the first groove 132 and the second groove 142 has a spiral shape toward the first direction DR1, the rotational force of the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140 may be transmitted to the follower 150 in the first direction DR1 through the first pin 152 and the second pin 154. Therefore, the follower 150 may move in the first direction DR1.
[0122] For example, Figure 3 and Figure 4B As shown in FIG. 1 , when the foldable display device is folded at about 45°, the follower 150 horizontally moves (or slides) a first length L1 along the first direction DR1. In addition, the follower 150 can prevent or substantially prevent the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140 from rotating at different rotation amounts (or rotation angles).
[0123] In addition, if Figure 4C As shown in , when the foldable display device is fully folded (by Figure 3 ), for example, when the foldable display device is folded at approximately 90°, the follower 150 may move a second length L2 along the first direction DR1 compared to when the foldable display device is fully unfolded by the rotation of the first rotor 130 and the second rotor 140.
[0124] However, when the foldable display device is folded / unfolded, the bracket 160 may be fixed about the horizontal axis HX, and only the follower 150 may reciprocate in the first direction DR1 under the bracket 160 .
[0125] As described above, the hinge device 100 and the foldable display device including the hinge device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be symmetrically folded / unfolded using a simple connection structure of the first rotor 130 , the second rotor 140 , and the follower 150 .
[0126] Figure 5A It is shown that the Figure 1An exploded perspective view of an example of a portion of a hinge device in a foldable display device; and Figure 5B It is shown Figure 5A An exploded perspective view of an example of a portion of an articulated device.
[0127] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B The hinge device 200 may include a first base plate 111 , a second base plate 121 , a first hinge group HG1 , a second hinge group HG2 , and a hinge cover 270 .
[0128] In an embodiment, the first hinge group HG1 may include a first rotor 210, a second rotor 220, a follower 230, a first bracket 240, and a second bracket 250. The first hinge group HG1 may further include a washer 260 for preventing or substantially preventing the follower 230 from shaking or twisting from the hinge cover 270.
[0129] The first side surface 212 of the first rotor 210 may be in surface contact with the first side surface 232 of the follower 230. For example, the first side surface 212 of the first rotor 210 and the first side surface 232 of the follower 230 may correspond to respective cross sections separated by an arc-shaped member cut in an oblique direction. Therefore, in a state where the foldable display device is fully unfolded, the surfaces where the first side surface 212 of the first rotor 210 and the first side surface 232 of the follower 230 contact each other may coincide.
[0130] The second side surface 214 of the first rotor 210 may be engaged with the side portion 242 of the first bracket 240. Since the coupling form and driving mechanism of the first rotor 210 and the first bracket 240 may be the same as that of the reference Figures 2A to 4C The coupling form and driving mechanism of the described rotor and the bracket are substantially the same, so repeated descriptions may be omitted. Similarly, the coupling form and driving mechanism of the second rotor 220 and the second bracket 250 may also be the same.
[0131] The first rotor 210 may include a hole 216 corresponding to the fastening hole of the first substrate 111. When a fixing pin or a fixing screw is coupled to the fastening hole and the hole 216, the first rotor 210 and the first substrate 111 may be coupled to each other.
[0132] The first side surface 222 of the second rotor 220 may be in surface contact with the second side surface 234 of the follower 230. For example, the first side surface 222 of the second rotor 220 and the second side surface 234 of the follower 230 may correspond to respective cross sections separated by an arc-shaped member cut in an inclined direction. Therefore, in a state where the foldable display device is fully unfolded, the surfaces where the first side surface 222 of the second rotor 220 and the second side surface 234 of the follower 230 contact each other may coincide. Therefore, each of the first side surface 232 and the second side surface 234 of the follower 230 may be formed to have a surface inclined relative to the second direction DR2.
[0133] The second side surface 224 of the second rotor 220 may be engaged with the side portion 252 of the second bracket 250. The second rotor 220 may include a hole 226 corresponding to the fastening hole of the second substrate 121. When a fixing pin or a fixing screw is coupled to the fastening hole and the hole 226, the second rotor 220 and the second substrate 121 may be coupled to each other.
[0134] The follower 230 may be disposed between the first rotor 210 and the second rotor 220. The follower 230 may reciprocate in the first direction DR1 by rotation of the first rotor 210 and the second rotor 220.
[0135] The washer 260 may limit the torsion or movement of the follower 230 in directions other than the first direction DR1 . In addition, the follower 230 may further include a hole 236 that receives the protruding portion of the hinge cover 270 .
[0136] The first bracket 240 may be disposed to engage with the second side surface 214 of the first rotor 210. The first bracket 240 may guide a rotation path of the first rotor 210. The first bracket 240 may include a fixing hole 244 for fixing the first bracket 240 to the hinge cover 270.
[0137] The second bracket 250 may be disposed to engage with the second side surface 224 of the second rotor 220. The second bracket 250 may guide a rotation path of the second rotor 220. The second bracket 250 may include a fixing hole 254 for fixing the second bracket 250 to the hinge cover 270.
[0138] The first bracket 240 and the second bracket 250 may prevent or substantially prevent the first rotor 210 and the second rotor 220 and the follower 230 from moving in a direction other than a path (eg, a predetermined path). Figures 2A to 4C The shapes and coupling forms of the first bracket 240 and the second bracket 250 are described, and thus a repeated description will be omitted.
[0139] The second articulation group HG2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first articulation group HG1. In an embodiment, the second articulation group HG2 may include the same configuration as the first articulation group HG1. For example, the second articulation group HG2 may also include a third rotor 210', a fourth rotor 220', a follower 230', a third bracket 240', and a fourth bracket 250'.
[0140] The second hinge group HG2 may be provided on the hinge cover 270 in a shape corresponding to the first hinge group HG1 rotated about 180° on a plane.
[0141] Figure 6 Is shown driving Figure 5A A perspective view of an example of a method of articulating a device.
[0142] Refer to 5A to Figure 6 , the first rotor 210 and the second rotor 220 of the hinge device 200 may rotate in opposite directions to each other in parallel (eg, simultaneously), and thus, the foldable display device may be folded or unfolded.
[0143] In a state where the foldable display device is fully unfolded, the horizontal surfaces of the first rotor 210 and the second rotor 220 may be positioned parallel to the foldable display device. The horizontal surfaces of the first rotor 210 and the second rotor 220 may be surfaces or faces opposite to each curved surface. In this case, the follower 230 may be disposed to be spaced apart from a reference point (e.g., a predetermined reference point) on the hinged cover 270 by a first length L1.
[0144] When the foldable display device is folded, the first rotor 210 may rotate in a clockwise direction, and the second rotor 220 may rotate in a counterclockwise direction.
[0145] In the direction toward the center of the hinged cover 270 relative to the second direction DR2, the length of the first side surface 212 of the first rotor 210 in the first direction DR1 is longer. On the other hand, the first side surface 232 of the follower 230 in contact with the first rotor 210 has an outer side that is longer than its center side. Therefore, when the first rotor 210 rotates in the clockwise direction, a force that pushes the follower 230 in the first direction DR1 can be generated by the contact between the first side surface 212 of the first rotor 210 and the first side surface 232 of the follower 230.
[0146] Therefore, when the foldable display device is folded, the follower 230 can move (or slide) in the first direction DR1 by the rotation of the first rotor 210. That is, the first rotor 210 (and the second rotor 220) and the follower 230 can perform folding / unfolding by a mechanism similar to the end cam driving method using surface contact.
[0147] For example, when the foldable display device is further folded, the length (or distance) between the follower 230 and the reference point on the hinged cover 270 may increase. Figure 6 As shown in , the third length L3 may be greater than the second length L2, and the second length L2 may be greater than the first length L1.
[0148] In an embodiment, in the folding operation by the first hinge group HG1, the force acting on the follower 230 by the rotational force of the second rotor 220 may be relatively weaker than the force acting on the follower 230 by the rotational force of the first rotor 210. In this case, the second substrate 121 may not be fixed to a predetermined folded state.
[0149] In order to compensate for this problem, the hinge device 200 may further include a second hinge group HG2 disposed in the opposite direction to the first hinge group HG1. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The arrangement and method of driving the first articulated group HG1 and the second articulated group HG2 are described in more detail.
[0150] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5A A plan view of an example of an articulated device; and Figure 8 Is shown driving Figure 7 A plan view of an example of a method of articulating a device.
[0151] Reference FIG. 5A to FIG. 7 , the hinge device 200 may include a first hinge group HG1 and a second hinge group HG2.
[0152] The second hinge group HG2 may have substantially the same configuration as that of the first hinge group HG1. The second hinge group HG2 may be provided on the hinge cover 270 in a shape corresponding to the first hinge group HG1 rotated about 180° on a plane.
[0153] For ease of description, the first hinge group HG1 may include a first rotor 210, a second rotor 220, a follower 230, a first bracket 240, a second bracket 250, and a washer 260, and the second hinge group HG2 may include a third rotor 210', a fourth rotor 220', a follower 230', a third bracket 240', a fourth bracket 250', and a washer 260'. However, the third rotor 210' may be coupled to the second substrate 121, and the fourth rotor 220' may be coupled to the first substrate 111.
[0154] Figure 7A first extension line SEL1 corresponding to a surface extending from the first side surface 232 of the follower 230 and a second extension line SEL2 corresponding to a surface extending from the second side surface 234 of the follower 230 are shown. The first extension line SEL1 and the second extension line SEL2 are symmetrical with respect to the first symmetry axis SX1. Here, the first symmetry axis SX1 may be an axis extending in the second direction DR2 based on the center of the follower 230. The second direction DR2 may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and may be parallel to the display surface of the display panel DP in the unfolded state.
[0155] Therefore, the first side surface 232 and the second side surface 234 of the follower 230 may be symmetrical with respect to the first symmetry axis SX1 .
[0156] Similarly, on the plane, the first side surface and the second side surface of the follower 230' of the second hinge group HG2 may be symmetrical with respect to the second symmetry axis SX2. The third extension line SEL3 may be an extension line corresponding to a surface extending from the first side surface of the follower 230' on the plane, and the fourth extension line SEL4 may be an extension line corresponding to a surface extending from the second side surface of the follower 230' on the plane. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 2 , the follower 230 ′ may be provided in a shape corresponding to the follower 230 rotated 180° on a plane.
[0157] like Figure 8 As shown in , when the foldable display device is folded, the first rotor 210 and the fourth rotor 220 ′ may rotate in a clockwise direction, and the second rotor 220 and the third rotor 210 ′ may rotate in a counterclockwise direction.
[0158] The follower 230 may move in the first direction DR1 by the rotation of the first rotor 210. As the rotation amount of the first rotor 210 increases, the movement amount of the follower 230 moving (sliding) from the reference point in the first direction DR1 may increase (eg, L3>L2>L1).
[0159] Meanwhile, the follower 230' may move in a direction opposite to the first direction DR1 by the rotation of the third rotor 210'. As the rotation amount of the third rotor 210' increases, the movement amount of the follower 230' moving (sliding) from the reference point in the direction opposite to the first direction DR1 may increase (e.g., L3>L2>L1). In an embodiment, the third rotor 210' may restrict the rotation of the second substrate 121.
[0160] As described above, the hinge device 200 and the foldable display device including the hinge device 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can perform folding and unfolding in a biaxial hinge structure through the interaction of the rotational movement of the first rotor 210, the second rotor 220, the third rotor 210' and the fourth rotor 220' and the linear movement of the followers 230 and 230'. Figure 1 The first panel support member DS1) and the second substrate 121 (and Figure 1 The folding / unfolding angles of the second panel supporting member DS2) are consistent, and symmetrical folding / unfolding of the foldable display device can be achieved.
[0161] Fig.9A It is shown that the Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an example of a portion of a hinge device in a foldable display device; and Fig. 9B It is shown Fig.9A An exploded perspective view of an example of a portion of an articulated device.
[0162] Reference Figure 1 , Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The hinge device 300 may include a first base plate 112, a second base plate 122, a first rotor 310, a second rotor 320, a follower 330, a first bracket 340, a second bracket 350 and a hinge cover 370. In an embodiment, the hinge device 300 may further include a first folding assist member 180 and a second folding assist member 190.
[0163] In an embodiment, the follower 330 may be disposed between the first rotor 310 and the second rotor 320. The first side surface of the first rotor 310 may be coupled to the follower 330, and the second side surface 314 of the first rotor 310 may be coupled to the first bracket 340. The first side surface of the second rotor 320 may be coupled to the follower 330, and the second side surface 324 of the second rotor 320 may be coupled to the second bracket 350.
[0164] The first rotor 310 may include a first protrusion portion 312 on the first side surface inserted into the first guide hole 332 of the follower 330. The first protrusion portion 312 may move in the first guide hole 332 (i.e., a portion contacting the inside of the first guide hole 332 may be changed) by rotation of the first rotor 310.
[0165] The first rotor 310 may further include holes 316 corresponding to the fastening holes of the first substrate 112 .
[0166] The second rotor 320 may have substantially the same shape as the first rotor 310. The second rotor 320 may include a second protrusion portion 322 on the first side surface inserted into the second guide hole 334 of the follower 330. The second protrusion portion 322 may move in the second guide hole 334 (i.e., a portion contacting the inside of the second guide hole 334 may be changed) by rotation of the second rotor 320.
[0167] The second rotor 320 may further include holes 326 corresponding to the fastening holes of the second substrate 122 .
[0168] The follower 330 may include a first guide hole 332 formed in a first side surface contacting the first rotor 310 and a second guide hole 334 formed in a second side surface contacting the second rotor 320. In an embodiment, a width in a horizontal direction of each of the first guide hole 332 and the second guide hole 334 may be greater than a width in a vertical direction of each of the first guide hole 332 and the second guide hole 334.
[0169] The follower 330 may further include a fixing hole 336 for preventing or substantially preventing movement or distortion in directions other than the vertical direction (eg, the third direction DR3 ). In an embodiment, a protruding portion of the hinged cover 370 may be inserted into the fixing hole 336 .
[0170] The follower 330 can reciprocate along the third direction DR3 (i.e., the vertical direction) by the rotational movement of the first rotor 310 and the second rotor 320. The movement of the first rotor 310, the second rotor 320, and the follower 330 can be restricted to affect each other. For example, the first rotor 310, the second rotor 320, and the follower 330 can operate similar to the scotch yoke cam driving principle.
[0171] The first bracket 340 may be disposed to engage with the second side surface 314 of the first rotor 310. The first bracket 340 may guide the rotation path of the first rotor 310. The second bracket 350 may be disposed to engage with the second side surface 324 of the second rotor 320. The second bracket 350 may guide the rotation path of the second rotor 320.
[0172] Due to the reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The first folding assist member 180 and the second folding assist member 190 are described, and thus a duplicate description will be omitted.
[0173] As described above, the foldable display device including the hinge device 300 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can perform folding and unfolding in a biaxial hinge structure through the interaction of the rotational movement of the first rotor 310 and the second rotor 320 and the linear movement of the follower 330. Figure 1 The first panel support member DS1) and the second substrate 122 (and Figure 1 The folding / unfolding angles of the second panel supporting member DS2) are consistent, and symmetrical folding / unfolding of the foldable display device can be achieved.
[0174] Fig.10 Is shown driving Fig.9A A perspective view of an example of a method of articulating a device; and FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C It is schematically shown Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a method of driving an articulated device.
[0175] For ease of description, Figures 10 to 11C The first bracket 340 and the second bracket 350 are omitted. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C shows the direction DR1 when viewed from the first direction Fig.10 Schematic plan shape of an articulated device.
[0176] Reference 9A to 11C , the first rotor 310 and the second rotor 320 of the hinge device 300 may rotate in parallel (eg, simultaneously) in directions opposite to each other, and thus, the foldable display device may be folded or unfolded.
[0177] like Fig.11A As shown in , in a state where the foldable display device is fully unfolded, the horizontal surfaces of the first and second rotors 310 and 320 may be positioned parallel to the foldable display device. The horizontal surfaces of the first and second rotors 310 and 320 may be surfaces opposite to each curved surface.
[0178] When the foldable display device is folded, the first rotor 310 may rotate in a clockwise direction, and the second rotor 320 may rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Therefore, the first protrusion portion 312 and the second protrusion portion 322 may rotate and move in the first guide hole 332 and the second guide hole 334, respectively. The follower 330 may reciprocate along the third direction DR3 by the rotational force of the first rotor 310 and the second rotor 320.
[0179] For example, Fig. 11B As shown in , when the first rotor 310 and the second rotor 320 rotate at a first angle from a state where the foldable display device is fully unfolded, the follower 330 may move vertically downward. Fig. 11CAs shown in FIG. 1 , when the first rotor 310 and the second rotor 320 rotate from a first angle to a second angle, the follower 330 may move vertically upward.
[0180] In addition, the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 122 may rotate based on the first virtual rotation axis RX1 and the second virtual rotation axis RX2 , respectively.
[0181] Therefore, through the interaction of the rotational movement of the first rotor 310 and the second rotor 320 and the linear movement of the follower 330, symmetrical folding and unfolding can be performed in a biaxial hinge structure.
[0182] As described above, the foldable display device including the hinge device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve folding and unfolding by using a simple connection structure of multiple rotors and followers and a dual-axis hinge structure based on the rotational movement of the rotor and the linear movement (vertical movement or horizontal movement) of the follower. Therefore, the folding / unfolding angles of the first substrate 110, 111 or 112 (and the first panel supporting member DS1) and the second substrate 120, 121 or 122 (and the second panel supporting member DS2) are consistent, and the symmetrical folding / unfolding of the foldable display device can be achieved. In addition, by eliminating the configuration including a complex driving mechanism and multiple complex gears, springs, etc. and realizing a dual-axis hinge mechanism with a simple structure, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0183] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the following claims.
Claims
1. Foldable display device, including: A display panel comprising a first display area, a second display area, and a foldable display area extending in a first direction and disposed between the first display area and the second display area, wherein the first display area and the second display area are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first base member overlapping a portion of the foldable display area to guide folding and unfolding of the display panel; a second base member overlapping another portion of the foldable display area to guide the folding and unfolding of the display panel together with the first base member; a first rotor coupled to the first base member to rotate with the first base member in a first rotational direction; a second rotor coupled to the second base member to rotate with the second base member in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction; a follower disposed between the first rotor and the second rotor and in contact with the first rotor and the second rotor to move relative to the first rotor and the second rotor in the first direction in response to rotation of at least one of the first rotor and the second rotor in the clockwise direction, and to move relative to the first rotor and the second rotor in a direction opposite to the first direction in response to rotation of at least one of the first rotor and the second rotor in the counterclockwise direction; and At least one bracket is coupled to the first rotor and the second rotor to guide a rotational path of each of the first rotor and the second rotor.
2. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first rotor is configured to rotate about a first virtual rotation axis, and the second rotor is configured to rotate about a second virtual rotation axis.
3. The foldable display device according to claim 2, wherein: The first direction is parallel to the first virtual rotation axis and the second virtual rotation axis.
4. The foldable display device according to claim 2, wherein: The second virtual rotation axis is different from the first virtual rotation axis.
5. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first rotor and the second rotor simultaneously rotate in opposite rotation directions to each other at the same angle to each other.
6. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The driven member includes a first movement converter engaged with the first rotor to convert rotation of the first rotor into movement of the driven member relative to the first and second rotors.
7. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The follower also includes a second movement converter engaged with the second rotor to convert rotation of the second rotor into movement of the follower relative to the first and second rotors.
8. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The follower is configured to reciprocate a first distance in the first direction in response to at least one of the first rotor and the second rotor rotating 45° in the clockwise direction, and to reciprocate a second distance in the first direction greater than the first distance in response to at least one of the first rotor and the second rotor rotating 90° in the clockwise direction.
9. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The follower is configured to reciprocate a first distance in the direction opposite to the first direction in response to at least one of the first rotor and the second rotor rotating 45° in the counterclockwise direction, and to reciprocate a second distance greater than the first distance in the direction opposite to the first direction in response to at least one of the first rotor and the second rotor rotating 90° in the counterclockwise direction.
10. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a hinged cover coupled to the at least one bracket to restrict movement of the follower in directions other than the first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction.
11. The foldable display device according to claim 10, wherein: The follower is arranged between the bracket and the hinged cover.
12. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The follower has a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface of the follower; The first rotor has a surface in contact with the first side surface of the driven member; as well as The second rotor has a surface in contact with the second side surface of the driven member.
13. The foldable display device according to claim 12, wherein: The first side surface of the follower and the second side surface of the follower are symmetrical to each other with respect to a symmetry axis parallel to the second direction.
14. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one bracket comprises: a first bracket engaged with a side surface of the first rotor to guide the rotation path of the first rotor; and A second bracket is spaced apart from the first bracket in the first direction and is engaged with a side surface of the second rotor to guide the rotation path of the second rotor.