Flexible display device

Abstract

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a flexible display device, and more particularly, provides a flexible display device capable of reducing noise generated from a driving assembly by including such a structure, that is, the flexible display device includes: a rear cover supporting a rear surface of a display panel; a pair of arm plates disposed to face each other and a portion of an end portion of the pair of arm plates being fixed to the rear cover; the driving assembly is connected between the pair of arm plates and enables the arm plates to slide in the length direction so as to change the curvature of the rear cover and the display panel; and a cover member disposed on a rear surface of the rear cover and covering the driving assembly to shield noise generated from the driving assembly.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0194775, filed on December 28, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a flexible display device. Background art

[0004] With the recent development of the smart society and the development of various portable electronic devices (e.g., mobile communication terminals and laptop computers), display devices as visual information transmission media have become more important.

[0005] Recently, flexible display devices made of flexible materials such as plastics (instead of non - flexible materials, e.g., conventional glass substrates) that can be bent like paper without degrading display performance have rapidly attracted attention as next - generation display devices. These flexible display devices have the advantages of space utilization, aesthetics, and design, and can be adopted in various applications.

[0006] In addition, the curvature of a flexible display device can be changed by a driving assembly coupled to the rear surface of a display panel for implementing an image. However, noise from motors or gears included in the driving assembly during driving may impair user satisfaction. Summary of the invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a flexible display device capable of reducing noise generated when changing the curvature of a display panel by including a cover member for shielding noise generated in a driving assembly.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a flexible display device capable of reducing noise by preventing a gap from being formed between a rear cover and an arm plate when changing the curvature of the rear cover, by including a variable plate disposed in a cover of a driving assembly to move together with the arm plate when changing the curvature of the rear cover.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure may prevent the end of an arm plate from slipping off a rear cover when operating a driving assembly by providing a loosening - preventing member for increasing the binding force with the arm plate to a fixing assembly for fixing the end of the arm plate to the rear cover.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a display device capable of changing the curvature of a display panel with low power by a highly efficient driving assembly.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a flexible display device, including: a rear cover that supports the rear surface of a display panel; a pair of arm plates that are disposed to face each other and a part of the ends of the pair of arm plates is fixed to the rear cover; a driving assembly that is connected between the pair of arm plates and slides the arm plates in a length direction to change the curvature of the rear cover and the display panel; and a cover member that is disposed on the rear surface of the rear cover and covers the driving assembly to shield noise generated from the driving assembly.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a flexible display device may be provided that can reduce noise generated when changing the curvature of a rear cover and a display panel by including a cover member for shielding noise generated in a driving assembly.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a flexible display device may be provided that can reduce noise by not forming a gap between a rear cover and an arm plate when changing the curvature of the rear cover by including a variable plate that is disposed in a cover of a driving assembly and moves together with the arm plate when changing the curvature of the rear cover.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a loosening prevention member for increasing the bonding force with an arm plate to a fixing assembly for fixing the end of the arm plate to the rear cover, it is possible to prevent the end of the arm plate from slipping off the rear cover when operating the driving assembly.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device capable of changing the curvature of a display panel with low power by a highly efficient driving assembly may be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a flexible display device according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a cover member is separated from the flexible display device of Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a cover member according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4 is a view illustrating a driving assembly according to an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5 is a view illustrating Figure 4View of a part of the drive assembly;

[0022] Figure 6 is a diagram Figure 4 View of the moving direction of the drive assembly;

[0023] Figure 7 is a view illustrating the state where the variable plate is separated from the cover member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 8 is a diagram Figure 7 View of the operation of the variable plate;

[0025] Figure 9 is a view schematically illustrating the operation of the variable plate according to the curvature change of the arm plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 10 is a view illustrating the sliding occurring between the arm plate and the rear cover;

[0027] Figure 11 is a sectional view of the fixed assembly according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 12 is a diagram of Figure 11 the perspective view of the nut member of the fixed assembly; and

[0029] Figure 13 is a diagram of Figure 11 the perspective view of the bolt member of the fixed assembly. Detailed Description

[0030] In the following description of the embodiments or implementations of the present disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which specific examples or implementations that can be achieved are shown by way of illustration, and the same reference numerals and labels may be used to refer to the same or similar components even if they are shown in different drawings from each other. Additionally, in the following description of the examples or implementations of the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of the known functions and components incorporated herein would instead obscure the subject matter in some implementations of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Terms such as "including", "having", "containing", "composed of", "consisting of", and "formed by" used herein are generally intended to allow the addition of other components, unless these terms are used with the term "only". As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] This disclosure may use terms such as "first", "second", "A", "B", "(A)", or "(B)" to describe elements of the present disclosure. Each of these terms is not used to define the nature, order, sequence, quantity, etc. of the elements, but is only used to distinguish the corresponding elements from other elements.

[0032] When referring to a first element being "connected or coupled", "contacting or overlapping", etc. with a second element, it should be interpreted that the first element can not only be "directly connected or coupled" or "directly contacting or overlapping" with the second element, but also a third element can be "inserted" between the first element and the second element, or the first element and the second element can be "connected or coupled", "contacting or overlapping", etc. with each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element may include at least one of two or more elements that are "connected or coupled", "contacting or overlapping", etc. with each other.

[0033] When using time - relative terms such as "after", "subsequently", "next", "before", etc. to describe the process or operation of an element or structure, or the flow and steps in an operation method, a processing method, or a manufacturing method, these terms can be used to describe a non - continuous or non - sequential process or operation, unless the terms "directly" or "immediately" are used together.

[0034] In addition, when referring to any dimension, relative dimension, etc., even if the relevant description is not specified, the numerical value of the element or feature or the corresponding information (e.g., level, range, etc.) should be considered to include the tolerance or error range that can be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external shocks, noise, etc.). In addition, the term "may" fully encompasses all meanings of the term "can".

[0035] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a cover member is separated from the Figure 1 flexible display device.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1 to 2 , the flexible display device 100 may include a rear cover 110, an arm plate 120, a driving assembly 130, and a cover member 140.

[0038] Hereinafter, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, in the drawings, the side where the display panel 10 is located is referred to as the front side, and the side where the rear cover 110 is located is referred to as the rear side.

[0039] The rear cover 110 can cover and protect the rear surface of the display panel 10 and can support the rear surface of the display panel 10. As described above, since the rear cover 110 is provided on the rear surface of the display panel 10, accidents such as foreign substances penetrating into the display panel 10 or the display panel 10 being damaged due to external impact can be prevented.

[0040] The display panel 10 implements an image and can be formed of an organic light emitting display panel. However, the configuration of the display panel 10 is not limited to this example and can be configured differently, such as a liquid crystal display panel and a plasma display panel.

[0041] The curvature of the display panel 10 can be changed together with the rear cover 110 by the arm plates 120 and can be set from a flat mode to a curved mode or from a curved mode to a flat mode according to the radius of curvature.

[0042] A pair of arm plates 120 can be formed and the pair of arm plates 120 are arranged to face each other, and a part of the ends of the pair of arm plates 120 can be fixed to the rear cover 110. For example, the arm plates 120 can extend in the length direction of the rear cover 110 and can include a first arm plate 121 provided on the left side in the drawing and a second arm plate 122 provided on the right side. The corresponding ends of the arm plates 120 can be joined by a nut member 20 and a bolt member 30, which will be described below.

[0043] The arm plates 120 can be formed of a metal material having high rigidity such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel to bend the rear cover 110, and the arm plates 120 can elastically deform and recover with a predetermined curvature.

[0044] The drive assembly 130 can be connected between the pair of arm plates 120, can slide the arm plates 120 in the length direction, and can change the curvature of the rear cover 110 and the display panel 10. In other words, the drive assembly 130 can be connected between the first arm plate 121 and the second arm plate 122 to slide the first arm plate 121 and the second arm plate 122 in opposite directions. In this case, since the ends of the first arm plate 121 and the second arm plate 122 are fixed to the rear cover 110, when the drive assembly 130 is driven, the ends of the first arm plate 121 and the second arm plate 122 can bend on the rear cover 110 and the curvature can be changed. As the curvature of the first arm plate 121 and the second arm plate 122 changes, the rear cover 110 and the display panel 10 coupled to the first arm plate 121 and the second arm plate 122 can also bend while changing the curvature.

[0045] The driving assembly 130 may be coupled to the bracket 150, and the bracket 150 is detachably fixed to the rear surface of the rear cover 110. For example, one surface of the bracket 150 can be detachably fixed to the rear surface of the rear cover 110, and the driving assembly 130 may be coupled to the other surface of the bracket 150. As described above, since the driving assembly 130 is coupled to the bracket 150 detachably formed on the rear cover 110, when the driving assembly 130 malfunctions or components are replaced, only the bracket 150 needs to be separated and repaired, thus facilitating maintenance.

[0046] The cover member 140 may be disposed on the rear surface of the rear cover 110 and may cover the driving assembly 130 to shield noise generated from the driving assembly 130. Therefore, when the display panel 10 is set from the flat mode to the curved mode or from the curved mode to the flat mode, the noise generated from the driving assembly 130 can be reduced to improve the satisfaction during use.

[0047] The cover member 140 may be coupled to the bracket 150 by fastening members such as bolts. For example, a plurality of coupling protrusions 112 may be provided on the rear surface of the rear cover 110, and coupling holes 140a into which the coupling protrusions 112 are inserted may be provided in the cover member 140. Specifically, the coupling protrusions 112 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape having a threaded inner peripheral surface, and the plurality of coupling protrusions 112 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other on the upper and lower portions of the bracket 150. Therefore, in a state where the coupling protrusions 112 are inserted into the coupling holes 140a of the cover member 140, when a fastening member such as a bolt is inserted into the hollow portion of the coupling protrusions 112 and tightened, the cover member 140 can be stably guided and fixed to the rear cover 110.

[0048] According to the present embodiment, the arm plate 120 may include a plurality of guide holes 120a extending in the longitudinal direction, and the rear cover 110 may include a plurality of guide members 111 protruding from the rear surface and moving along the guide holes 120a. Due to this configuration, when the driving assembly 130 is operated, the guide members 111 move along the guide holes 120a. In this case, since the end of the arm plate 120 is constrained by the rear cover 110, when the guide members 111 move along the guide holes 120a, the arm plate 120 can be bent, thereby changing the curvature of the rear cover 110 and the display panel 10.

[0049] In addition, the curvature of the rear cover 110 and the display panel 10 may vary according to the length of the guide holes 120a. In other words, as the length of the guide holes 120a increases, the rear cover 110 and the display panel 10 can be bent more, so that the curvature can increase, and as the length of the guide holes 120a decreases, the rear cover 110 and the display panel 10 can be bent less, so that the curvature can decrease.

[0050] Figure 3 FIG. is a perspective view of a lid member according to an embodiment.

[0051] Referring to Figure 3 , the lid member 140 may include ribs 141 formed to protrude from the inner surface of the lid member 140 to surround the lower portion of the drive assembly 130. Accordingly, since the lower side of the drive assembly 130 is covered again by the ribs 141, noise generated from the drive assembly 130 can be blocked more effectively.

[0052] Figure 4 FIG. is a view illustrating a drive assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5 FIG. is a view illustrating Figure 4 a part of the drive assembly of Figure 6 and FIG. is a view illustrating Figure 4 the moving direction of the drive assembly of

[0053] Referring to Figures 4 to 6 , the drive assembly 130 may include a wheel member 131, a pinion gear 132, a first rack gear 133, and a second rack 134.

[0054] The wheel member 131 can be rotatably connected to the rear surface of the rear cover 110. For example, the wheel member 131 may be provided as a worm wheel gear and may be disposed at the center of the rear surface of the rear cover 110. Specifically, the movement of the wheel member 131 can be guided by a first guide protrusion 151 and a second guide protrusion 152 that protrude from the rear surface of the bracket 150 in one direction and are disposed on the upper side and the lower side with respect to the rotation axis of the wheel member 131, respectively.

[0055] For example, the wheel member 131 may have an arcuate first guide slit 131a and a second guide slit 131b on the upper side and the lower side with respect to the rotation axis, respectively. Accordingly, when the first guide protrusion 151 is inserted into the first guide slit 131a and the second guide protrusion 152 is inserted into the second guide slit 131b, the wheel member 131 can rotate along the first guide slit 131a and the second guide slit 131b while being supported by the first guide protrusion 151 and the second guide protrusion 152. In this case, in order to prevent the wheel member 131 from detaching from the first guide protrusion 151 and the second guide protrusion 152 when the wheel member 131 rotates, a connection member 135 may be coupled between the ends of the first guide protrusion 151 and the ends of the second guide protrusion 152.

[0056] The pinion gear 132 can be fixed to the rotation axis of the wheel member 131 to be interlocked with the wheel member 131. In other words, when the wheel member 131 rotates clockwise, the pinion gear 132 can also rotate clockwise, and when the wheel member 131 rotates counterclockwise, the pinion gear 132 can also rotate counterclockwise.

[0057] One surface of the first rack 133 can be fixed to one of the arm plates 120, and the lower part of the first rack 133 can be engaged with one side of the pinion gear 132 to linearly move when the pinion gear 132 rotates. For example, the rear surface of the first rack 133 can be fixed to the first arm plate 121, and the lower part of the first rack 133 can be engaged with the upper part of the pinion gear 132, so that the first rack 133 can linearly move left or right according to the rotation direction of the pinion gear 132.

[0058] One surface of the second rack 134 can be fixed to the other of the arm plates 120, and the upper part of the second rack 134 can be engaged with the other side of the pinion gear 132, so that when the pinion gear 132 rotates, the second rack 134 can linearly move in the direction opposite to that of the first rack 133. For example, the rear surface of the second rack 134 can be fixed to the second arm plate 122, and the upper part of the second rack 134 can be engaged with the lower part of the pinion gear 132, so that the second rack 134 can linearly move left or right according to the rotation direction of the pinion gear 132.

[0059] For example, when the pinion gear 132 rotates clockwise, the first rack 133 disposed above the pinion gear 132 can move in the right direction, and the second rack 134 disposed below the pinion gear 132 can move in the left direction. In this case, since the first arm plate 121 is connected to the first rack 133 and the second arm plate 122 is connected to the second rack 134, the first arm plate 121 can move in the right direction together with the first rack 133, and the second arm plate 122 can move in the left direction together with the second rack 134.

[0060] The drive assembly 130 can be driven by receiving power from the power transmission unit 160. For example, the power transmission unit 160 can rotate the wheel member 131 on the rear surface of the rear cover 110, and can include a rotary actuator 161, a first connecting gear 162, a second connecting gear 163, and a worm gear 164.

[0061] The rotary actuator 161 can be rotatably coupled to the rear surface of the rear cover 110. For example, the rotary actuator 161 can be formed by a rotary motor, and a rotary actuator cover member 161a for shielding the noise generated when the rotary actuator 161 is driven can be provided externally.

[0062] The first connecting gear 162 can be coupled to the rotating shaft of the rotary actuator 161. Accordingly, when the rotary actuator 161 is driven, the first connecting gear 162 can receive power from the rotary actuator 161 and rotate in the same direction as the rotary actuator 161.

[0063] The second connecting gear 163 can be meshed with the first connecting gear 162 and can rotate together with the first connecting gear 162. For example, the second connecting gear 163 can be disposed above the first connecting gear 162 and meshed with the first connecting gear 162, and can rotate in the same direction as the first connecting gear 162 by receiving power from the first connecting gear 162.

[0064] The rotating shaft of the worm gear 164 can be coupled to the second connecting gear 163, and a worm meshing with the wheel member 131 can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the worm gear 164. Accordingly, the worm gear 164 can receive power from the rotary actuator 161 through the first connecting gear 162 and the second connecting gear 163 to rotate in the same direction as the rotary actuator 161, and can rotate the wheel member 131 located on the upper part by the worm formed on the outer circumferential surface. In this case, a worm gear cover member 164a for shielding noise generated during driving can be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the worm gear 164.

[0065] Figure 7 is a view illustrating a state in which a variable plate is separated from a cover member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 is a view illustrating Figure 7 the operation of the variable plate.

[0066] Referring to Figures 7 to 8 , the flexible display device 100 may include a variable plate 170 formed to be inside the support arm plate 120 and capable of linearly moving in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the arm plate 120 within the cover member 140.

[0067] For example, the variable plate 170 may have a through hole 170a through which the arm plate 120 passes, and the cover member 140 may have a guide groove 140b recessed in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the arm plate 120 in the surface facing the rear cover 110. Accordingly, when the driving force of the driving assembly 130 is transmitted to the arm plate 120, when the curvature changes, the variable plate 170 connected to the arm plate 120 can linearly move in the guide groove 140b.

[0068] As described above, since the variable plate 170 interlocked with the arm plate 120 is provided in the cover member 140, when the curvature of the rear cover 110 changes, the flexible display device 100 with reduced noise can be provided by minimizing the gap formed between the rear cover 110 and the arm plate 120.

[0069] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a variable plate that changes according to the curvature of an arm plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Refer to the following Figure 9 to describe the operation of the variable plate 170.

[0070] Refer to Figure 9 , when the display panel 10 is changed from the flat mode state to the curved mode, the curvature of the arm plate 120 can be changed by the driving assembly 130. As the curvature of the arm plate 120 changes, the variable plate 170 connected to the arm plate 120 can move in the guide groove 140b of the cover member 140.

[0071] As described above, as the variable plate 170 linearly moves within the guide groove 140b of the cover member 140, when the display panel 10 is set to the curved mode, the gap formed between the rear cover 110 and the arm plate 120 can be minimized, thereby preventing noise from leaking between the rear cover 110 and the arm plate 120.

[0072] In addition, the width of the guide groove 140b can be greater than the width of the variable plate 170. This is because when the width of the guide groove 140b is less than or equal to the width of the variable plate 170, when the curvature of the arm plate 120 changes, the arm plate 120 may bend or be damaged due to insufficient movement space.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the flexible display device 100 may include a sealing member 180 combined between the rear cover 110 and the cover member 140 to shield the noise generated from the driving assembly 130. For example, the sealing member 180 may be formed as an annular shape along the edge of the bracket 150 and may be formed of an elastic resin material.

[0074] Therefore, when the cover member 140 is combined with the rear cover 110, the sealing member 180 can be compressed to be more firmly sealed between the cover member 140 and the rear cover 110. Therefore, the noise shielding efficiency of the driving assembly 130 can be improved by blocking the leakage of noise through the gap between the cover member 140 and the rear cover 110. In addition, moisture or foreign substances can be prevented from flowing into the gap between the cover member 140 and the rear cover 110, thereby enhancing the lifespan of the driving assembly 130.

[0075] In the sealing member 180, the anti-disengagement portion 181 can protrude from the surface facing the cover member 140. For example, the anti-disengagement portion 181 can be provided on each of the opposite sides of the sealing member 180 to support the outer surface of the variable plate 170.

[0076] Therefore, when the curvature of the arm plate 120 changes, the variable plate 170 can linearly move along the anti-disengagement portion 181 in one direction. In addition, as Figure 8As shown, when the variable plate 170 moves from the rear cover 110 to the side of the cover member 140, the noise of the drive assembly 130 can be effectively blocked by covering the gap that can occur between the rear cover 110 and the cover member 140.

[0077] Figure 10 is a view illustrating the sliding that occurs between the arm plate and the rear cover.

[0078] Referring to Figure 10 , the end of the arm plate 120 can be fixed to the rear cover 110 by a fixing assembly including a nut member 20 and a bolt member 30. For example, after the arm plate 120 is inserted between the bolt member 30 and the nut member 20 fixed to the rear cover 110, as the nut member 20 and the bolt member 30 are tightened, the arm plate 120 can be pressed and fixed to the rear cover 110.

[0079] In this case, a fastening hole 120b into which the nut member 20 is inserted can be formed at the end of the arm plate 120. The fastening hole 120b can be formed to be larger than the width of the nut member 20 to facilitate assembly. In other words, when the nut member 20 is inserted into the fastening hole 120b, free space is ensured.

[0080] This free space can facilitate assembly, but may disadvantageously cause left / right assembly deviation during the assembly process. When the curvature of the arm plate 120 changes, the assembly deviation can cause a time difference between when the fixing assembly is pushed and when it is pulled, resulting in the display panel 10 shaking when the drive assembly 130 is opened / closed.

[0081] In addition, since the arm plate 120 is fixed to the rear cover 110 only by the pressing of the nut member 20 and the bolt member 30, when the curvature of the arm plate 120 changes, the arm plate 120 can move left and right and slide.

[0082] To solve this problem, the fixing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can enhance the bonding force between the arm plate 120 and the rear cover 110 through the nut member 20 formed by a PEM nut and the bolt member 30 formed by a SEMS screw. The following refers to Figures 11 to 13 Describe the fixing assembly including the nut member 20 and the bolt member 30 according to this embodiment.

[0083] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the fixing assembly according to an embodiment.

[0084] Referring to Figure 11 , the end of the rear cover 110 and the arm plate 120 can be bonded to each other by a fixing assembly including a nut member 20 and a bolt member 30.

[0085] The nut member 20 may be formed on the rear cover 110. For example, the nut member 20 may support one surface of the arm plate 120, and the central portion of the nut member 20 may protrude to penetrate the arm plate 120. Thus, when the end of the arm plate 120 is placed on the nut member 20 and then the bolt member 30 is fastened to the nut member 20, the end of the arm plate 120 may be pressed by the bolt member 30 fastened to the nut member 20 and fixed to the rear cover 110.

[0086] Figure 12 is an explanatory perspective view Figure 11 of the nut member of the fixing assembly.

[0087] Referring to Figure 12 , the nut member 20 is a PEM nut having a threaded inner surface in its hollow portion and may include a base portion 21, a body portion 22, and a fastening portion 23.

[0088] The base portion 21 is a member fixed to the rear cover 110 and may be bonded to the rear cover 110 by an adhesive or integrally formed with the rear cover 110. For example, the base portion 21 may be formed in a disc shape.

[0089] The body portion 22 may be formed to protrude from the base portion 21 in one direction to support the arm plate 120 and may have an anti-loosening rib portion 22a formed on the support surface for supporting the arm plate 120 so as to be fixed while pressing and deforming the arm plate 120 when fastened to the bolt member 30.

[0090] For example, the anti-loosening rib portion 22a may be formed to protrude along the outer periphery of the body portion 22. Due to the structure of the anti-loosening rib portion 22a, when fastened to the bolt member 30, the anti-loosening rib portion 22a may press the arm plate 120 to form a pressing groove corresponding to the anti-loosening rib portion 22a in the lower portion of the arm plate 120, and the anti-loosening rib portion 22a may engage with the pressing groove to increase the bonding force between the nut member 20 and the arm plate 120.

[0091] As described above, as the bonding force between the fixing assembly and the arm plate 120 increases, the sliding of the end of the arm plate 120 away from the rear cover 110 when the driving assembly 130 is operated can be prevented.

[0092] The fastening portion 23 may protrude from the body portion 22 in one direction and pass through the arm plate 120 and may have a threaded inner peripheral surface to which the bolt member 30 is fastened. For example, the fastening portion 23 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape having a threaded inner peripheral surface. In order for the fastening portion 23 to pass through the arm plate 120, a fastening hole 120b having a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the fastening portion 23 may be formed at the end of the arm plate 120.

[0093] Figure 13 is an explanatory perspective view Figure 11Stereogram of the bolt member of the fixing component.

[0094] Referring to Figure 13 , the bolt member 30 is a SEMS screw having a threaded outer peripheral surface, and may include a head 31 and a screw member 32.

[0095] The head 31 may have an anti-loosening protrusion 31a on the surface facing the arm plate 120. When tightened with the nut member 20, the anti-loosening protrusion 31a is fixed while pressing and deforming the arm plate 120. For example, the head 31 may be formed in a disc shape. The anti-loosening protrusion 31a formed on the lower surface of the head 31 may be formed in a triangular strip shape with an inclined surface and have a sharp end. A plurality of anti-loosening protrusions 31a may be provided along the periphery of the head 31 with respect to the screw member 32.

[0096] Due to the structure of the anti-loosening protrusion 31a, when tightened onto the nut member 20, the anti-loosening protrusion 31a may press the arm plate 120 to form a pressing groove corresponding to the anti-loosening protrusion 31a in the upper part of the arm plate 120, and the anti-loosening protrusion 31a may engage with the pressing groove to increase the bonding force between the nut member 20 and the arm plate 120. In other words, sliding below the arm plate 120 can be prevented by the anti-loosening rib 22a of the nut member 20, and sliding above the arm plate 120 can be prevented by the anti-loosening protrusion 31a.

[0097] The screw member 32 may protrude from one surface of the head 31 where the anti-loosening protrusion 31a is formed, and may have a threaded outer peripheral surface. Therefore, when the screw member 32 of the bolt member 30 is coupled to the fastening portion 23 of the nut member 20, the arm plate 120 disposed between the nut member 20 and the bolt member 30 may be pressed and deformed and firmly fixed to the rear cover 110.

[0098] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above will be briefly described below.

[0099] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a flexible display device may be provided, including: a rear cover that supports the rear surface of the display panel; a pair of arm plates that are disposed to face each other and a part of the ends of the pair of arm plates is fixed to the rear cover; a driving assembly that is connected between the pair of arm plates and slides the arm plates in the longitudinal direction to change the curvature of the rear cover and the display panel; and a cover member that is disposed on the rear surface of the rear cover and covers the driving assembly to shield noise generated from the driving assembly.

[0100] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of coupling protrusions may be provided on the rear surface of the rear cover, and coupling holes into which the coupling protrusions are inserted may be provided in the cover member.

[0101] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover member may further include ribs formed to protrude from an inner surface of the cover member to surround a lower portion of the driving assembly.

[0102] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device may further include a variable plate that supports an inside of the arm plate and is formed to be linearly movable in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the arm plate in the cover member.

[0103] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover member may have a guide groove formed in a surface of the cover member facing the rear cover and recessed in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the arm plate, and when a curvature of the rear cover changes, the variable plate may be linearly movable in the guide groove.

[0104] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a width of the guide groove may be greater than a width of the variable plate.

[0105] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the variable plate may include a through hole through which the arm plate passes.

[0106] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible display device may further include a sealing member that is coupled between the rear cover and the cover member to shield noise generated from the driving assembly.

[0107] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing member may have an anti-separation portion formed to protrude from a surface facing the cover member to support an outer surface of the variable plate to prevent the variable plate from separating.

[0108] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible display device may further include a bracket having one surface detachably fixed to a rear surface of the rear cover and another surface coupled to the driving assembly.

[0109] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving assembly may include: a wheel member rotatably coupled to the rear cover; a pinion gear fixed to a rotation shaft of the wheel member to be interlocked with the wheel member; a first rack having one surface fixed to one of the arm plates and a lower portion meshing with one side of the pinion gear to linearly move when the pinion gear rotates; and a second rack having one surface fixed to the other of the arm plates and an upper portion meshing with the other side of the pinion gear to linearly move in a direction opposite to a direction of the first rack when the pinion gear rotates.

[0110] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wheel member may be provided as a worm gear. The flexible display device may further include a power transmission unit on a rear surface of the rear cover, and the power transmission unit is connected to the worm gear to rotate the wheel member.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the power transmission unit may include: a rotary actuator rotatably coupled to the rear surface of the rear cover; a first connecting gear coupled to a rotary shaft of the rotary actuator; a second connecting gear meshing with the first connecting gear to rotate together with the first connecting gear; and a worm having a rotary shaft coupled to the second connecting gear and a worm formed on an outer circumferential surface of the worm to mesh with the wheel member to receive power from the rotary actuator to rotate the wheel member.

[0112] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible display device may further include a rotary actuator cover member covering the rotary actuator to shield noise generated from the rotary actuator.

[0113] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the arm plate may include a plurality of guide holes extending in a length direction. The rear cover may include a plurality of guide members protruding from the rear surface and moving along the guide holes.

[0114] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rear cover may include a nut member supporting one surface of the arm plate and having a protrusion penetrating a central portion of the arm plate. The arm plate may be pressed by a bolt member fastened to the nut member and fixed to the rear cover.

[0115] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the nut member may include: a base fixed to the rear cover; a main body portion formed to protrude from the base in one direction to support the arm plate and having an anti-loosening rib on a support surface supporting the arm plate, and when the anti-loosening rib is fastened to the bolt member, the anti-loosening rib is fixed while pressing and deforming the arm plate; and a fastening portion protruding from the main body portion in one direction to penetrate the arm plate, and the fastening portion has a threaded inner circumferential surface fastened to the bolt member.

[0116] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the anti-loosening rib may be formed to protrude along an outer circumference of the main body portion.

[0117] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bolt member may include: a head having an anti-loosening protrusion on a surface facing the arm plate, and when the anti-loosening protrusion is fastened to the nut member, the anti-loosening protrusion is fixed while pressing the arm plate and deforming the arm plate; and a screw member formed to protrude from one surface of the head having the anti-loosening protrusion and having a threaded outer peripheral surface.

[0118] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the anti-loosening protrusion may be formed in a triangular strip shape having an inclined surface and may have a sharp end. A plurality of anti-loosening protrusions may be provided along the periphery of the head with respect to the screw member.

[0119] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the curvature of the rear cover and the display panel may vary according to the length of the guide hole.

[0120] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket may include a guide protrusion, and a wheel member of the drive assembly may include an arcuate guide slot. When the guide protrusion is inserted into the guide slot, the wheel member may rotate along the guide slot while being supported by the guide protrusion.

[0121] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the display panel is set to a curved mode, the variable plate may linearly move to block a gap formed between the rear cover and the arm plate.

[0122] The above description has been presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the technical conceptions of the present disclosure, and the above description has been provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The above description and the drawings have provided examples of the technical conceptions of the present disclosure for illustrative purposes only. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to show the scope of the technical conceptions of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A flexible display device, comprising: a back cover supporting a rear surface of the display panel; a pair of arm plates, the pair of arm plates being arranged to face each other and having portions of ends of the pair of arm plates fixed to the rear cover; a driving assembly connected between the pair of arm plates and causing the arm plates to slide in a length direction to change the curvature of the rear cover and the display panel; as well as A cover member is provided on a rear surface of the rear cover and covers the driving assembly to shield noise generated from the driving assembly. 2 . The flexible display device according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of coupling protrusions are provided on the rear surface of the rear cover, and coupling holes into which the coupling protrusions are inserted are provided in the cover member. 3 . The flexible display device according to claim 1 , wherein the cover member further comprises a rib formed to protrude from an inner surface of the cover member to surround a lower portion of the driving assembly. 4 . The flexible display device according to claim 1 , further comprising a variable plate supporting an inner portion of the arm plate and formed to be linearly movable in the cover member in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the arm plate.

5. The flexible display device according to claim 4, wherein the cover member has a guide groove formed in a surface of the cover member facing the rear cover and recessed in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the arm plate, and When the curvature of the rear cover changes, the variable plate moves linearly in the guide groove. 6 . The flexible display device of claim 5 , wherein a width of the guide groove is greater than a width of the variable plate. 7 . The flexible display device according to claim 4 , wherein the variable plate comprises a through hole through which the arm plate passes. 8 . The flexible display device of claim 4 , further comprising a sealing member coupled between the rear cover and the cover part to shield noise generated from the driving assembly. 9 . The flexible display device according to claim 8 , wherein the sealing member has a separation prevention portion formed to protrude from a surface facing the cover part to support an outer surface of the variable panel to prevent the variable panel from being separated. 10 . The flexible display device according to claim 1 , further comprising a bracket having one surface detachably fixed to a rear surface of the rear cover and another surface combined with the driving assembly.

11. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein the driving component comprises: a wheel member rotatably connected to the rear cover; a pinion gear fixed to the rotation shaft of the wheel member to interlock with the wheel member; a first rack having one surface fixed to one of the arm plates and a lower portion meshing with one side of the pinion gear to linearly move when the pinion gear rotates; and A second rack having one surface fixed to the other of the arm plates and an upper portion meshing with the other side of the pinion gear to linearly move in a direction opposite to that of the first rack gear when the pinion gear rotates.

12. The flexible display device according to claim 11, wherein the wheel member is configured as a worm gear, and The flexible display device further includes a power transmission unit on a rear surface of the rear cover, the power transmission unit being connected to the worm gear to rotate the wheel member.

13. The flexible display device according to claim 12, wherein the power transmission unit comprises: a rotary actuator rotatably coupled to a rear surface of the rear cover; a first connecting gear coupled to a rotating shaft of the rotary actuator; a second connecting gear meshing with the first connecting gear to rotate together with the first connecting gear; and A worm wheel having a rotation shaft combined with the second connecting gear, and a worm formed on an outer peripheral surface of the worm wheel to mesh with the wheel member to receive power from the rotary actuator to rotate the wheel member. 14 . The flexible display device of claim 13 , further comprising a rotation actuator cover member covering the rotation actuator to shield noise generated from the rotation actuator.

15. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein the arm plate comprises a plurality of guide holes extending in a length direction, and The rear cover includes a plurality of guide members protruding from the rear surface and moving along the guide holes.

16. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein the rear cover comprises a nut member supporting one surface of the arm plate and having a central portion protruding to penetrate the arm plate, and The arm plate is pressed by the bolt member fastened to the nut member and is fixed to the rear cover.

17. The flexible display device according to claim 16, wherein the nut member comprises: a base, the base being fixed to the rear cover; a main body portion formed to protrude in one direction from the base portion to support the arm plate, and having an anti-loosening rib on a support surface supporting the arm plate, the anti-loosening rib being fixed while pressing the arm plate and deforming the arm plate when the anti-loosening rib is fastened with a bolt member; and A fastening portion protrudes from the main body portion in one direction to penetrate the arm plate and has a threaded inner peripheral surface fastened to the bolt member. 18 . The flexible display device according to claim 17 , wherein the anti-loosening rib is formed to protrude along an outer circumference of the body portion.

19. The flexible display device according to claim 16, wherein the bolt member comprises: a head portion having an anti-loosening protrusion on a surface facing the arm plate, wherein when the anti-loosening protrusion is fastened to the nut member, the anti-loosening protrusion is fixed while pressing the arm plate and deforming the arm plate; and A screw member is formed to protrude from one surface of the head having the loosening prevention protrusion and has a threaded outer peripheral surface.

20. The flexible display device according to claim 19, wherein the anti-loosening protrusion is formed in a triangular strip shape having an inclined surface and has a sharp end, and A plurality of anti-loosening protrusions are arranged along the periphery of the head relative to the screw member. 21 . The flexible display device of claim 15 , wherein curvatures of the back cover and the display panel vary according to a length of the guide hole.

22. The flexible display device according to claim 10, wherein the bracket comprises a guide protrusion, and the wheel member of the driving assembly comprises an arc-shaped guide slot, and When the guide protrusion is inserted into the guide slit, the wheel member rotates along the guide slit while being supported by the guide protrusion. 23 . The flexible display device of claim 5 , wherein when the display panel is set to a bending mode, the variable plate moves linearly to block a gap formed between the rear cover and the arm plate.

Images