Display device

Abstract

There is provided a display device including: a display module including a first surface displaying an image and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a hinge disposed on a second surface of the display module; and a pair of support members connected to side surfaces of the hinge and rotatable with respect to the pair of first rotation shafts, respectively. The hinge includes: a base frame; a pair of hinge pins coupled to the base frame and providing a pair of second rotation shafts different from the pair of first rotation shafts, respectively; and a pair of hinge cylinders rotatably coupled to the pair of hinge pins, respectively.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of April 28, 2021, application number 202110464896.9, and name “Display Device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a display device. Background Art

[0003] With the development of multimedia technology, the importance of display devices has steadily increased. Therefore, various types of display devices (such as liquid crystal displays ("LCDs"), organic light emitting displays ("OLEDs"), etc.) have been used.

[0004] Meanwhile, mobile electronic devices include display units that provide images to users. Compared to the volume or thickness and display screens of conventional mobile electronic devices, mobile electronic devices with larger display screens and the same or smaller volume or thickness have seen an increase in market share. Furthermore, foldable or flexible display devices have also been developed, with structures that can be folded and unfolded to provide a larger screen only when in use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a display device capable of stopping at a specific angle during folding or unfolding.

[0006] However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aspects set forth herein. The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains by referring to the detailed description of the present disclosure given below.

[0007] An embodiment of a display device includes: a display module including a first surface for displaying an image and a second surface opposite the first surface; a hinge disposed on the second surface of the display module and providing a plurality of rotation axes in a first direction; a first support member connected to a first side of the hinge and rotatable about a first rotation axis among the plurality of rotation axes; and a second support member connected to a second side of the hinge and rotatable about a second rotation axis among the plurality of rotation axes, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side. The hinge includes: a base frame; a first hinge pin disposed on the first side of the base frame and providing a third rotation axis among the plurality of rotation axes; a second hinge pin disposed on the second side of the base frame and providing a fourth rotation axis among the plurality of rotation axes, wherein the second side of the base frame is opposite to the first side of the base frame; a first hinge cylinder rotatably coupled to the first hinge pin; and a second hinge cylinder rotatably coupled to the second hinge pin.

[0008] An embodiment of a display device includes: a display module including a folding region, a first non-folding region disposed on a first side of the folding region, and a second non-folding region disposed on a second side of the folding region, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side; a hinge disposed in the folding region and providing a plurality of rotation axes in a first direction; a first support member disposed in the first non-folding region and connected to the hinge, the first support member being rotatable relative to the folding region; and a second support member disposed in the second non-folding region and rotatably connected to the hinge, the second support member being rotatable relative to the folding region. The hinge includes: a base frame; a first hinge pin and a second hinge pin disposed in the folding region; a first hinge barrel disposed across the first non-folding region and the folding region and rotatably coupled to the first hinge pin; and a second hinge barrel disposed across the second non-folding region and the folding region and rotatably coupled to the second hinge pin.

[0009] An embodiment of a display device includes: a display module including a first surface for displaying an image and a second surface opposite the first surface; a hinge disposed on the second surface of the display module; and a pair of support members connected to side surfaces of the hinge and rotatable about a pair of first rotation axes. The hinge includes: a base frame; a pair of hinge pins coupled to the base frame and providing a pair of second rotation axes different from the pair of first rotation axes; and a pair of hinge cylinders rotatably coupled to the pair of hinge pins.

[0010] The display device according to various embodiments may stop at a specific angle during folding or unfolding.

[0011] The effects of the present disclosure according to the invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and various other effects are included in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0014] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the display device in a folded state;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a display device;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a display module;

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a display panel;

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the hinge;

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of the hinge;

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the hinge without the rotor bracket and the connecting bracket;

[0021] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 an exploded perspective view of the first hinge cylinder and the second hinge cylinder and the first hinge pin and the second hinge pin;

[0022] Figure 10A Shown Figure 9 a sectional view of the first hinge cylinder, and Figure 10B and Figure 10C Shown Figure 9 a plan view of the first hinge cylinder;

[0023] Figure 11 It is along Figure 6 A perspective sectional view taken along line AA';

[0024] Figure 12 yes Figure 6 an enlarged perspective view of a hinge cylinder accommodating portion of a first connecting bracket;

[0025] Figure 13 In the unfolded state of the display device, Figure 6 A sectional view taken along line AA';

[0026] Figure 14 is in the first folded state of the display device along Figure 6 A sectional view taken along line AA';

[0027] Figure 15 is in the second folded state of the display device along Figure 6 A sectional view taken along line AA';

[0028] Figure 16 It shows Figure 13 A cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the rotation axis; and

[0029] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of a display module and a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the present invention may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals indicate like components. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity.

[0031] It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as "on" another layer or substrate, the layer can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or an intermediate layer may also be present. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as "directly on" another element, there is no intermediate element. It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third" etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be restricted by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings herein, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part. The terms used herein are only used to describe the purpose of specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the content clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms including "at least one of...". "At least one of..." is not to be construed as limiting "one" or "an". "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises" and / or its variations or "includes" and / or its variations are used in this specification, it specifies the presence of stated features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. In addition, expressions such as "the following (the following)" may be used herein. The relative terms "below" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top" are used to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as being on the "lower" side of other elements would then be positioned on the "upper" side of the other elements. Thus, the exemplary term "lower" can encompass both an orientation of "lower" and "upper", depending on the specific orientation of the figures. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements would then be oriented "above" the other elements. Thus, the exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" can encompass both an orientation of above and below.

[0032] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the display device in a folded state. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a display device.

[0034] In the present disclosure, the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 intersect each other in different directions. With respect to a plan view of the display device, the first direction DR1 may be a vertical direction, the second direction DR2 may be a horizontal direction, and the third direction DR3 may be a thickness direction. The third direction DR3 may include a direction toward Figure 1 The upward direction and orientation of the top Figure 1 The downward direction of the bottom of the member. One surface of the member positioned in the upward direction may be referred to as the top surface, and the other surface of the member positioned in the downward direction may be referred to as the bottom surface. However, the above example is only a relative example, and the direction is not limited thereto in the following embodiments.

[0035] The display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include various devices that display images on a screen. Examples of the display device 1 may include, but are not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones, tablet PCs, personal digital assistants ("PDAs"), portable multimedia players ("PMPs"), televisions, game consoles, wristwatch-type electronic devices, head-mounted displays, monitors of personal computers, laptop computers, car navigation systems, dashboards of cars, digital cameras, video cameras, exterior billboards, electronic billboards, various medical devices, various inspection devices, various home appliances including a display portion (DPA) (such as refrigerators and washing machines), Internet of Things devices, and the like.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In a plan view of the unfolded state, the display device 1 may have a rectangular shape having two short sides extending in the first direction DR1 and two long sides extending in the second direction DR2. However, the display device 1 according to the present invention is not limited thereto and may have one of various shapes such as a square, a circle, and a diamond.

[0037] The display device 1 may include a display surface DS. The display surface DS may provide a display image to a user. At least one surface of the display device 1 may be the display surface DS. Although in embodiments, the display surface DS of the display device 1 may be the top surface of the display device 1, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the display surface DS of the display device 1 may include a side surface and / or a bottom surface of the display device 1.

[0038] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA is configured to display an image. The display area DA may be arranged across a first non-folding area NFA1, a second non-folding area NFA2, and a folding area FA, which will be described later. The non-display area NDA does not display an image. The non-display area NDA may be arranged around the display area DA. In one embodiment, the display area DA may be arranged in a rectangular shape on the top surface of the display device 1, and the non-display area NDA may be arranged to surround the display area DA.

[0039] The display device 1 may include a folding area FA, a first non-folding area NFA1, and a second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FA is an area that folds or bends when the display device 1 is folded. The first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 are areas that do not fold or bend even when the display device 1 is folded. Although the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be arranged sequentially in an embodiment, the present disclosure according to the invention is not limited thereto.

[0040] The display device 1 may be a foldable device. The display device 1 may be folded or unfolded depending on the state. In particular, the display device 1 may be folded so that a portion of the display device 1 overlaps with or is tilted relative to another portion, or the display device 1 may be unfolded to be completely flat. Although a portion of the display device 1 may be a portion arranged in the first non-folding area NFA1, and another portion of the display device 1 may be a portion arranged in the second non-folding area NFA2, the present disclosure according to the invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, a portion and / or another portion of the display device 1 may both include a portion arranged in the folding area FA.

[0041] The display device 1 can be completely folded so that one part of the display device 1 and another part form an angle of approximately 0 degrees (°) or 360°, partially folded so that one part of the display device 1 and another part form an angle within an approximate range greater than 0° and less than 180°, or unfolded so that one part of the display device 1 and another part form an angle of approximately 180°.

[0042] The display device 1 can be folded inward. Folding inward means that the display device 1 is folded so that a portion of the display surface DS of the display device 1 faces another portion of the display surface DS. In some embodiments, the display device 1 can be folded outward. Folding outward means that the display device 1 is folded so that a portion of the opposite surface of the display surface DS (for example, the bottom surface of the display device 1 opposite to the display surface DS) faces another portion of the opposite surface. The opposite surface can be, for example, the bottom surface of the display device 1. In some embodiments, the display device 1 can be folded inward and / or folded outward.

[0043] The display device 1 can have a folded state or an unfolded state. The folded state is a state in which the display device 1 is bent so that one portion of the display device 1 is tilted relative to another portion. The folded state can include a first folded state and a second folded state. The first folded state can be a state in which the display device 1 is partially folded. In the first folded state, one portion of the display device 1 and another portion can form an angle within an approximate range of greater than 0° and less than 180° or greater than 180° and less than 360°. The second folded state can be a state in which the display device 1 is fully folded. In the second folded state, one portion of the display device 1 and another portion can form an angle of approximately 0° and / or 360°. The unfolded state is a state in which the display device 1 is fully unfolded so that one portion of one surface of the display device 1 and another portion are arranged horizontally with each other on a plane (i.e., coplanar). In the unfolded state, one portion of the display device 1 and another portion can form an angle of approximately 180°. In one embodiment, the display device 1 can freely transition between the folded state and the unfolded state.

[0044] As will be described later, during the movement of transitioning between the folded state and the unfolded state, the display device 1 can stop the movement of one portion and / or another portion of the display device 1 at a specific angle and maintain the specific angle. The specific angle can be the angle formed between the one portion and the other portion of the display device 1 in the folded state and / or the unfolded state.

[0045] The display device 1 may be folded or unfolded with respect to the folding axis FX. In one embodiment, the display device 1 may be folded or unfolded with respect to the folding axis FX arranged in the first direction DR1, but the present disclosure according to the invention is not limited thereto.

[0046] The folding axis FX may include a plurality of rotation axes RX. Figure 2 Two rotation axes RX are depicted as an example, but the arrangement and number of the plurality of rotation axes according to the invention are not limited thereto.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the display device 1 includes a display module DM and a folder FM.

[0048] The display module DM is arranged on the display surface DS of the display device 1. The display module DM may have a rectangular shape elongated in the second direction DR2 in the unfolded state. The display module DM may be arranged on a folder FM (to be described later).

[0049] The display module DM has flexibility. When the folder member FM is folded or unfolded, the display module DM can be folded or unfolded.

[0050] The display module DM can be folded to form a certain curvature. In detail, the folding area FA of the display module DM can form a certain curvature when the display device 1 is folded. The components and multiple rotation axes RX that constitute the folding member FM (to be described later) can be arranged symmetrically about the center of curvature of the display module DM. The radius of curvature of the folding area FA can increase as the display device 1 is unfolded and decrease as the display device 1 is folded. In one embodiment, the display module DM can have a predetermined curvature when fully folded. As will be described later, the multiple rotation axes RX can be arranged relative to a predetermined center of curvature and / or radius of curvature.

[0051] The folder FM is arranged under the display module DM. The folder FM supports the display module DM. The display module DM can be folded or unfolded together with the folder FM.

[0052] The folder FM includes a first support member 110, a second support member 120, and a hinge 200. The folder FM may further include a support bracket 300, a hinge cover 400, and a lower cover 500.

[0053] The first support member 110 and the second support member 120 are arranged below the display module DM. The first support member 110 and the second support member 120 may be arranged sequentially on the bottom surface of the display module DM in the second direction DR2. The first support member 110 and the second support member 120 may be arranged symmetrically about the folding area FA or the folding axis FX. The first support member 110 may be arranged in the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second support member 120 may be arranged in the second non-folding area NFA2. The first support member 110 and / or the second support member 120 may partially overlap the folding area FA. The first support member 110 and the second support member 120 may be the same or different in shape and / or size. In one embodiment, the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 may have a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. However, the shapes of the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 according to the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0054] The hinge 200 connects the first support member 110 and the second support member 120. The hinge 200 can be arranged to overlap with the folding axis FX in the thickness direction. The hinge 200 can be arranged in the folding area FA. The hinge 200 can be arranged across the first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2 and the folding area FA. There can be a plurality of hinges 200 arranged along the first direction DR1. The hinge 200 can provide a plurality of rotation axes RX. The first support member 110 and the second support member 120 can both be connected to the hinge 200. In detail, the first support member 110 can be connected to one side of the hinge 200 and relative to the first rotation axis RX1_1 (see Figure 14 ) is rotatable, and the second supporting member 120 may be connected to the other side of the hinge 200 and rotated relative to the second rotation axis RX1_2 (see Figure 14 ) can be rotated.

[0055] The support bracket 300 is disposed between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120. The support bracket 300 may be disposed between the plurality of hinges 200. The support bracket 300 may support a portion of the display module DM disposed between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 and / or between the plurality of hinges 200. The support bracket 300 may define at least one opening.

[0056] The hinge cover 400 covers one side of the hinge 200. The hinge 200 can be placed or fixed to the hinge cover 400. The top surface of the hinge cover 400 can have a downwardly concave shape to accommodate the hinge 200 (see FIG. Figure 7 ).

[0057] The lower cover 500 may include a first lower cover 500_1 covering the bottom surface of the first support member 110 and a second lower cover 500_2 covering the bottom surface of the second support member 120. The first and second lower covers 500_1 and 500_2 may also cover at least a portion of the hinge 200 and / or the hinge cover 400.

[0058] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a display module. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a display panel.

[0059] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display module DM may include a display panel 10, an upper stacked structure 20, and a lower stacked structure 30. In one embodiment, the display panel 10 may display an image in a direction toward the upper stacked structure 20. When the display device 1 is folded or unfolded, the display panel 10, the upper stacked structure 20, and the lower stacked structure 30 may be folded or unfolded.

[0060] The display panel 10 is a panel for displaying a picture or an image. Examples of the display panel 10 may include not only self-luminous display panels (such as organic light-emitting display ("OLED") panels, inorganic electroluminescent ("EL") display panels, quantum dot ("QD") display panels, micro-LED display panels, nano-LED display panels, plasma display panels ("PDP"), field emission display ("FED") panels, and cathode ray tube ("CRT") display panels), but also light-receiving display panels (such as liquid crystal display ("LCD") panels and electrophoretic display ("EPD") panels). Hereinafter, an organic light-emitting display panel will be described as an example of the display panel 10, and unless special distinction is required, the organic light-emitting display panel applied to the embodiment will be referred to as the display panel 10 for short. However, embodiments according to the invention are not limited to organic light-emitting display panels, and other display panels mentioned above or known in the art may be applied within the scope of the same technical concept.

[0061] The display panel 10 may further include a touch member. The touch member may be provided as a panel or film that is separate from and attached to the display panel 10. However, in another embodiment, the touch member may be provided in the form of a touch layer within the display panel 10. In the following embodiment, a case where the touch member is provided within and included in the display panel 10 is shown, but the present disclosure according to the invention is not limited thereto.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display panel 10 may include a substrate SUB, a circuit driving layer DRL on the substrate SUB, a light emitting layer EML on the circuit driving layer DRL, an encapsulation layer ENL on the light emitting layer EML, and a touch layer TSL on the encapsulation layer ENL.

[0063] The substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate including a flexible polymer material (such as polyimide). Thus, the display panel 10 can be bent, folded, or rolled. In some embodiments, the substrate SUB may include a plurality of sub-substrates stacked in a thickness direction (e.g., the third direction DR3) with a barrier layer interposed between the plurality of sub-substrates. In this case, each sub-substrate may be a flexible substrate.

[0064] The circuit driving layer DRL may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a circuit for driving the light emitting layer EML of the pixel. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a plurality of thin film transistors.

[0065] The light emitting layer EML may be disposed on the circuit driving layer DRL. The light emitting layer EML may include an organic light emitting layer. The light emitting layer EML may emit light having various brightness levels according to a driving signal transmitted from the circuit driving layer DRL.

[0066] The encapsulation layer ENL may be disposed on the emission layer EML. The encapsulation layer ENL may include an inorganic layer or a stacked layer of an inorganic layer and an organic layer.

[0067] The touch layer TSL may be provided on the encapsulation layer ENL. The touch layer TSL is a layer for recognizing a touch input and may function as a touch member. The touch layer TSL may include a plurality of sensing regions and sensing electrodes.

[0068] Refer again Figure 4 The upper stacked structure 20 is disposed on the top surface of the display panel 10. The upper stacked structure 20 may include a polarization member 23, a cover window 22, and a cover window protective layer 21 sequentially stacked upward from the display panel 10.

[0069] The polarization member 23 polarizes light passing therethrough. The polarization member 23 can be used to reduce reflection of external light. In one embodiment, the polarization member 23 can be a polarizing film. The polarizing film can include a polarizing layer and a protective substrate sandwiching the polarizing layer therebetween. The polarizing layer can include a polyvinyl alcohol film. The polarizing layer can be stretched in one direction. The stretching direction of the polarizing layer can be an absorption axis, and the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction can be a transmission axis. The protective substrates can be respectively provided on one surface and the other surface of the polarizing layer. The protective substrate can be made of a cellulose resin such as triacetyl cellulose, polyester resin, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0070] The cover window 22 may be provided on the polarization member 23. The cover window 22 is used to protect the display panel 10. The cover window 22 may include or be made of a transparent material. The cover window 22 may include, for example, glass or plastic.

[0071] When the cover window 22 comprises glass, the glass may be ultra-thin glass ("UTG") or thin glass. When the glass is ultra-thin glass or thin glass, the cover window 22 may have flexible properties such that the cover window 22 may be bent, folded or curled. The thickness of the glass may be, for example, in the range of 10 micrometers (μm) to 300 μm, in particular 30 μm to 80 μm or about 50 μm. The glass of the cover window 22 may comprise soda-lime glass, alkali aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass or lithium aluminosilicate glass. The glass of the cover window 22 may comprise chemically strengthened glass or heat-strengthened glass to have strong rigidity. Chemical strengthening may be achieved by an ion exchange process in an alkaline salt. The ion exchange process may be performed two or more times.

[0072] If the cover window 22 includes plastic, this can be used to improve flexibility properties (such as foldable properties). Examples of plastics that can be applied to the cover window 22 can include, but are not limited to, polyimide, polyacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate ("PMMA"), polycarbonate ("PC"), polyethylene naphthalate ("PEN"), polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride ("PVDF"), polystyrene, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyethersulfone ("PES"), polyetherimide ("PEI"), polyphenylene sulfide ("PPS"), polyarylate ("PAR"), triacetyl cellulose ("TAC"), and cellulose acetate propionate ("CAP"). The plastic cover window 22 can be formed to include one or more of the plastic materials mentioned above.

[0073] The cover window protection layer 21 may be provided on the cover window 22. The cover window protection layer 21 may perform at least one of the functions of preventing scattering, impact absorption, scratch prevention, fingerprint smudge prevention, and glare prevention on the cover window 22. The cover window protection layer 21 may be formed to include a transparent polymer film. The transparent polymer film includes at least one of polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), polyethylene naphthalate ("PEN"), polyethersulfone ("PES"), polyimide ("PI"), polyarylate ("PAR"), polycarbonate ("PC"), polymethyl methacrylate ("PMMA"), and cyclic olefin copolymer ("COC").

[0074] The upper stacked structure 20 may include upper bonding members 25_1, 25_2, and 25_3 for bonding adjacent stacked members. For example, the first bonding member 25_1 may be disposed between the cover window protective layer 21 and the cover window 22 to bond them together, and the second bonding member 25_2 may be disposed between the cover window 22 and the polarizing member 23 to bond them together. The third bonding member 25_3 may be disposed between the polarizing member 23 and the display panel 10 to bond them together. In other words, the upper bonding members 25_1, 25_2, and 25_3 may be members that attach a layer to one surface of the display panel 10. The first bonding member 25_1 may be a protective layer bonding member for attaching the cover window protective layer 21, the second bonding member 25_2 may be a window bonding member for attaching the cover window 22, and the third bonding member 25_3 may be a polarizing portion bonding member for attaching the polarizing member 23. All of the upper bonding members 25_1, 25_2, and 25_3 may be optically transparent.

[0075] The lower stack structure 30 is disposed under the display panel 10. The lower stack structure 30 may include a polymer film layer 31 and a heat dissipation member 32 stacked in sequence from the display panel 10 downward.

[0076] The polymer film layer 31 may include a polymer film. The polymer film layer 31 may include, for example, polyimide ("PI"), polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), polycarbonate ("PC"), polyethylene ("PE"), polypropylene ("PP"), polysulfone ("PSF"), polymethyl methacrylate ("PMMA"), triacetyl cellulose ("TAC"), cycloolefin polymer ("COP"), etc. The polymer film layer 31 may include a functional layer on at least one surface thereof. The functional layer may include, for example, a light absorbing layer. The light absorbing layer may include a light absorbing material (such as a black pigment or a black dye). The light absorbing layer may be formed by coating or printing black ink on the polymer film.

[0077] The heat dissipation member 32 may be provided below the polymer film layer 31. The heat dissipation member 32 is used to diffuse heat generated from the display panel 10 or other components of the display device 1. The heat dissipation member 32 may be a heat sink including graphite, carbon nanotubes, etc. In one embodiment, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in , the heat dissipation members 32 may be separated by the folding area FA to facilitate folding of the display device 1. In some embodiments, the heat dissipation members 32 may be connected as one body.

[0078] The lower stack structure 30 may include lower bonding members 35_1 and 35_2 for bonding adjacent stacked members. For example, the fourth bonding member 35_1 may be disposed between the display panel 10 and the polymer film layer 31 to bond them together, and the fifth bonding member 35_2 may be disposed between the polymer film layer 31 and the heat dissipation member 32 to bond them together.

[0079] In some embodiments, the lower stack structure 30 may further include a buffer member, which may be disposed, for example, between the polymer film layer 31 and the heat dissipation member 32 .

[0080] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Perspective view of the hinge. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Exploded perspective view of the hinge. Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the hinge without the rotor bracket and the connecting bracket.

[0081] Reference Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 6 to 8 The hinge 200 may include a base frame 210 , a hinge barrel 240 , and a hinge pin 250 . The hinge 200 may further include a plurality of cams 220 , a rotor bracket 230 , and a connecting bracket 260 .

[0082] The base frame 210 may have a rod shape extending in the first direction DR1 in a plan view. The top surface of the base frame 210 includes a plurality of recessed portions for accommodating other components and / or engaging with other components. The top surface and / or bottom surface of the base frame 210 may have a certain curvature that protrudes downward. The base frame 210 may accommodate the first hinge cylinder 240_1, the second hinge cylinder 240_2, the first hinge pin 250_1, the second hinge pin 250_2, the plurality of cams 220, and / or the rotor bracket 230. The base frame 210 may include at least one groove and / or at least one guide surface for guiding the plurality of cams 220. The at least one guide surface may be at least a portion of the top surface of the base frame 210.

[0083] The hinge cylinder 240 may include a first hinge cylinder 240_1 and a second hinge cylinder 240_2. A pair of the first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2 are arranged at one side of the base frame 210, and another pair of the first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2 are arranged at the other side of the base frame 210. In detail, the first hinge cylinder 240_1 may be arranged at one side of the base frame 210 close to the first support member 110, and the second hinge cylinder 240_2 may be arranged at the other side of the base frame 210 close to the second support member 120. Figure 3 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the base frame 210 or the folding axis FX. The first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2 can be arranged to rotate in opposite directions. The first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2 can be coupled to rotate around the first hinge pin 250_1 and the second hinge pin 250_2 (to be described later) relative to the base frame 210. It is also possible to arrange multiple first hinge cylinders 240_1 and second hinge cylinders 240_2. In one embodiment, two first hinge cylinders 240_1 can be arranged on one side of the base frame 210, and two second hinge cylinders 240_2 can be arranged on the other side of the base frame 210. Although in the embodiment, the first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2 can both have the shape of a concave rectangular block, the present disclosure according to the invention is not limited thereto.

[0084] The hinge pin 250 may include a first hinge pin 250_1 and a second hinge pin 250_2. The first hinge pin 250_1 and the second hinge pin 250_2 are respectively inserted into the first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2. The first hinge pin 250_1 and the second hinge pin 250_2 may be placed and fixed on the top surface of the base frame 210. In detail, the first hinge pin 250_1 and the second hinge pin 250_2 may be accommodated in the parts 211_1 and 211_2 of the base frame 210 that are recessed downward from the top surface of the base frame 210 to a predetermined depth (see FIG. Figure 9 ). It is also possible to arrange multiple first hinge pins 250_1 and second hinge pins 250_2. In one embodiment, two first hinge pins 250_1 are arranged at one side of the base frame 210, and two second hinge pins 250_2 are arranged at the other side of the base frame 210.

[0085] A plurality of cams 220 are placed on the top surface of the base frame 210. Specifically, the plurality of cams 220 may be slidably placed in a portion of the base frame 210 that is recessed downward from the top surface of the base frame 210, allowing each cam 220 to rotate and / or linearly move. The plurality of cams 220 may each have a semicircular cross-section. In one embodiment, the bottom surfaces of the plurality of cams 220 may each include a convex surface, and the top surface of the base frame 210 may include a concave surface corresponding to the convex surface, and the rotation and / or linear movement of the plurality of cams 220 may be guided by the convex and concave surfaces.

[0086] The plurality of cams 220 may include a first rotor cam 221 , a second rotor cam 222 , and a slide cam 223 .

[0087] The first and second rotor cams 221 and 222 can be connected to the first and second connecting brackets 260_1 and 260_2 (described later). The first and second rotor cams 221 and 222 can have a protruding surface facing the top surface of the base frame 210 and a flat surface connecting one end and the other end of the protruding surface at their upper portions. In one embodiment, the first and second rotor cams 221 and 222 can each include at least one connecting protrusion 221_1 and 222_1 protruding upward from their flat surfaces. The connecting protrusion 221_1 of the first rotor cam 221 engages with the rotor connecting hole 261_1 of the first connecting bracket 260_1, and the connecting protrusion 222_1 of the second rotor cam 222 can engage with the rotor connecting hole 261_2 of the second connecting bracket 260_2.

[0088] The slide cam 223 is disposed between the first rotor cam 221 and the second rotor cam 222. The slide cam 223 may be disposed on the top surface of the base frame 210 and include a guide hole 223_1 engaged with the guide protrusion 210_BP protruding upward.

[0089] In one embodiment, the first rotor cam 221, the second rotor cam 222, and the sliding cam 223 can all be passive end cams. When the display device 1 is folded or unfolded, the first rotor cam 221 can rotate in a first rotational direction, the second rotor cam 222 can rotate in a second rotational direction, and the sliding cam 223 can move linearly in a first direction DR1. Here, the first rotational direction and the second rotational direction are opposite rotational directions. The sliding cam 223 can transmit the rotation of the first rotor cam 221 to the second rotor cam 222, and vice versa, thereby evenly folding or unfolding the first support member 110 and the second support member 120.

[0090] The rotor support 230 covers at least a portion of the plurality of cams 220. In one embodiment, the rotor support 230 may entirely cover the sliding cam 223 and partially cover the first rotor cam 221 and the second rotor cam 222. The rotor support 230 may guide the rotational motion and / or linear motion of the plurality of cams 220.

[0091] The connecting bracket 260 may include a first connecting bracket 260_1 and a second connecting bracket 260_2. The first connecting bracket 260_1 and the second connecting bracket 260_2 are symmetrically arranged relative to the base frame 210 and / or the folding axis FX. The first connecting bracket 260_1 may be arranged on one side of the base frame 210, and the second connecting bracket 260_2 may be arranged on the other side of the base frame 210. The first connecting bracket 260_1 may connect the first rotor cam 221 to the first support member 110, and the second connecting bracket 260_2 may connect the second rotor cam 222 to the second support member 120. The first connecting bracket 260_1 and the second connecting bracket 260_2 may rotate in opposite directions. The first connecting bracket 260_1 and the second connecting bracket 260_2 may be arranged to cover at least one of the base frame 210, the plurality of cams 220, the rotor bracket 230, the first hinge pin 250_1, and the second hinge pin 250_2. The first and second connection brackets 260_1 and 260_2 may expose at least a portion of the first and second hinge barrels 240_1 and 240_2, respectively.

[0092] In the following, reference is made to Figures 9 to 10C The first and second hinge cylinders 240_1 and 240_2 and the first and second hinge pins 250_1 and 250_2 are described in detail.

[0093] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of the first and second hinge cylinders and the first and second hinge pins.

[0094] Reference Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 6 to 10C The first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2 may include respective main body portions 241_1 and 241_2, respective cylinder portions 242_1 and 242_2, and respective sliding rods 244_1 and 244_2. The first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2 may also include respective connecting portions 243_1 and 243_2, respective hinge cover receiving grooves 245_1 and 245_2, and respective step portions 246_1 and 246_2.

[0095] The first hinge barrel 240_1 and the second hinge barrel 240_2 may be substantially identical or similar in structure to each other. Hereinafter, the first hinge barrel 240_1 will be mainly described as an example.

[0096] The main body portion 241_1 constitutes the main body of the first hinge cylinder 240_1. At least a portion of the main body portion 241_1 can be slidably inserted into the hinge cylinder accommodating portion 263_1 of the first connecting bracket 260_1. The insertion depth of the main body portion 241_1 inside the hinge cylinder accommodating portion 263_1 can be changed according to the angle between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 (see FIG. Figures 13 to 15 ). The main body portion 241_1 may include a pair of branches separated in the direction toward the first supporting member 110. A pair of sliding rods 244_1 may be arranged for each pair of branches. The main body portion 241_1 may have a recessed portion between the paired branches that is recessed toward the base frame 210 to accommodate the guide wall GL (see FIG. 2 ) of the hinge cylinder accommodating portion 263_1 of the first connecting bracket 260_1 (to be described later). Figure 12 ).

[0097] The barrel portion 242_1 is arranged at one side of the main body portion 241_1 close to the base frame 210. The first hinge pin 250_1 can be inserted into the barrel portion 242_1. In one embodiment, a plurality of barrel portions 242_1 can be arranged in the first direction DR1. In some embodiments, one barrel portion 242_1 can be arranged. Hereinafter, referring to Figures 10A to 10CThe barrel portion 242_1 will be described in detail.

[0098] The sliding rod 244_1 can be arranged to protrude from the main body portion 241_1. In detail, the sliding rod 244_1 can be composed of two paired parts arranged at one side and the other side of the main body portion 241_1. The sliding rod 244_1 can be slidably accommodated in the hinge cylinder accommodating portion 263_1 of the first connecting bracket 260_1 (to be described later). The portion of the sliding rod 244_1 that contacts the first connecting bracket 260_1 can have a curved surface. For example, the sliding rod 244_1 can have a cylindrical shape. Therefore, as will be referred to Figure 14 As described, when the display device 1 is folded or unfolded, the first hinge cylinder 240_1 may be arranged to be inclined relative to the first connection bracket 260_1. In some embodiments, when the display device 1 is folded or unfolded, the first hinge cylinder 240_1 may be arranged parallel to the first connection bracket 260_1.

[0099] The connection portion 243_1 connects one side of the body portion 241_1 and one side of the barrel portion 242_1. The thickness of the connection portion 243_1 may be smaller than each of the thickness of the body portion 241_1 and the thickness of the barrel portion 242_1.

[0100] The hinge cover receiving groove 245_1 is provided below the connection portion 243_1. The hinge cover receiving groove 245_1 may be defined as being concave upward. The hinge cover receiving groove 245_1 may prevent the hinge cover 400 and the first hinge cylinder 240_1 from interfering with each other during the folding or unfolding movement of the display device 1.

[0101] A stepped portion 246_1 is provided on top of the main body portion 241_1. The stepped portion 246_1 can be slidably received in the upper recessed portion 263_G_1 of the first connecting bracket 260_1 (to be described later). The insertion depth of the first hinge barrel 240_1 within the hinge barrel receiving portion 263_1 can be limited depending on whether the stepped portion 246_1 contacts or separates from the portion of the first connecting bracket 260_1 defining the upper recessed portion 263_G_1.

[0102] The first hinge pin 250_1 and the second hinge pin 250_2 may include respective cylindrical portions 251_1 and 251_2, respective head portions 252_1 and 252_2, and respective tail portions 253_1 and 253_2. The first hinge pin 250_1 and the second hinge pin 250_2 may also include respective locking portions 254_1 and 254_2 and respective oil grooves 255_1 and 255_2.

[0103] The first hinge pin 250_1 and the second hinge pin 250_2 may be substantially identical or similar in structure to each other. Hereinafter, the first hinge pin 250_1 will be mainly described.

[0104] The first cylindrical portion 251_1 is arranged in the first direction DR1. The cylindrical portion 251_1 provides a rotation axis in the first direction DR1. At least a portion of the cylindrical portion 251_1 can be inserted into the cylinder portion 242_1 of the first hinge cylinder 240_1.

[0105] The head portion 252_1 is disposed at one end of the cylindrical portion 251_1. The head portion 252_1 may have a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The head portion 252_1 may define a first connection hole H1.

[0106] Tail portion 253_1 is disposed at the other end of cylindrical portion 251_1. Tail portion 253_1 may penetrate barrel portion 242_1. Tail portion 253_1 may be smaller in size than head portion 252_1. Tail portion 253_1 may have a wedge shape, for example, with a width gradually tapering toward one end. Tail portion 253_1 may define a second connection hole H2.

[0107] The locking portion 254_1 is arranged between the head portion 252_1 and the cylindrical portion 251_1. The locking portion 254_1 can limit the insertion depth of the first hinge pin 250_1 into the interior of the barrel portion 242_1. The locking portion 254_1 can be larger in radius than each of the head portion 252_1, the tail portion 253_1, and the cylindrical portion 251_1. The locking portion 254_1 can have a radius greater than the curvature radius of the concave surface formed by the first curvature portion 242_1_1 and the second curvature portion 242_1_2 of the barrel portion 242_1 (to be described later).

[0108] The oil groove 255_1 may be defined on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 251_1 in a concave manner in a circumferential direction. A plurality of oil grooves 255_1 may be defined on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 251_1.

[0109] Hereinafter, the shape of the cylinder portion 242_1 and the connection relationship between the first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the first hinge pin 250_1 are described in detail.

[0110] Figures 10A to 10C Shown Figure 9 sectional view and plan view of the first hinge cylinder.

[0111] Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of the first hinge cylinder 240_1 taken along line BB′. Figure 10B 240_1 is a plan view of the first hinge cylinder 240_1. Figure 10C is a plan view of a first hinge cylinder 240_1 according to another embodiment.

[0112] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10A , one side of the barrel portion 242_1 can be connected to the connecting portion 243_1. The other end of the barrel portion 242_1 opposite to one end of the barrel portion 242_1 can be hollowed relative to the center of curvature of the barrel portion 242_1 or the center of curvature of the first hinge pin 250_1. In detail, at one side of the barrel portion 242_1, a slit or opening is defined to extend in the direction of insertion of the first hinge pin 250_1 (i.e., the first direction DR1). Therefore, the barrel portion 242_1 can have a C-shaped cross-section.

[0113] The barrel portion 242_1 may include a first curvature portion 242_1_1 and a second curvature portion 242_1_2 .

[0114] The first curvature portion 242_1_1 and the second curvature portion 242_1_2 may both have a predetermined width in the first direction DR1 to surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 251_1. The surfaces of the first curvature portion 242_1_1 and the second curvature portion 242_1_2 facing the cylindrical portion 251_1 of the first hinge pin 250_1 may be connected to each other to form a concave surface that contacts at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 251_1. The first curvature portion 242_1_1 and the second curvature portion 242_1_2 may both be connected to the connecting portion 243_1 at one side thereof and may be separated by a predetermined distance at the other side thereof. Therefore, the slit-shaped opening BR_OP extending in the first direction DR1 may be defined at one side of the barrel portion 242_1. In the cross-sectional view (see Figure 10A ), the hollow portion of the barrel portion 242_1 may be communicated with the outside through the opening BR_OP, so that a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first hinge pin 250_1 inserted into the barrel portion 242_1 is exposed to the outside.

[0115] The first hinge pin 250_1 can be inserted into the barrel portion 242_1 of the first hinge cylinder 240_1 with an interference fit. Specifically, the first hinge pin 250_1 can be larger in radius than the first hinge cylinder 240_1. Therefore, when the first hinge pin 250_1 is inserted into the first hinge cylinder 240_1 with a press fit, the barrel portion 242_1 of the first hinge cylinder 240_1 can elastically deform. The restoring force P caused by this elastic deformation can generate a predetermined frictional force between the cylindrical portion 251_1 of the first hinge pin 250_1 and the barrel portion 242_1 of the first hinge cylinder 240_1. This predetermined frictional force can generate a frictional torque when the display device 1 is folded or unfolded. The magnitude of the torque used to fold or unfold the display device 1 can be determined by the frictional torque. In other words, the display device 1 can stop its folding or unfolding motion at a specific angle and maintain that specific angle. In one embodiment, the first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the first hinge pin 250_1 may be made of a metal material, and the surface of the cylinder portion 242_1 and the surface of the cylindrical portion 251_1 may be heat-treated to improve hardness and wear resistance.

[0116] Reference Figure 10A and Figure 10B The friction torque can be determined by at least one of the thickness of the first curvature portion 242_1_1, the thickness of the second curvature portion 242_1_2, the widths B1 and B2 of the barrel portion 242_1, the radius r of the barrel portion 242_1, the difference between the radius of the barrel portion 242_1 before insertion into the cylindrical portion 251_1 and the radius of the cylindrical portion 251_1, and the angle α at which the opening BR_OP is defined relative to the center of curvature of the barrel portion 242_1 or the center of curvature of the cylindrical portion 251_1.

[0117] Reference Figure 10B , multiple barrel portions 242_1 can be arranged to adjust the total width of the barrel portion 242_1 through which the cylindrical portion 251_1 is inserted. The total width of the barrel portion 242_1 can be the sum of the first width B1 of the barrel portion 242_1 on one side and the second width B2 of the barrel portion 242_1 on the other side. In other words, the barrel portion 242_1 can define a recessed portion that enables adjustment of the total width of the barrel portion 242_1, thereby adjusting the amount of friction torque. The first width B1 and the second width B2 can be equal to or unequal to each other.

[0118] Reference Figure 10C ,and Figure 10B In a different embodiment, a barrel portion 242_1 may be provided. Since the width B3 of the barrel portion 242_1 is larger than Figure 10B The sum of the widths B1 and B2 of the barrel portion 242_1 is wide, so according to Figure 10CThe barrel portion 242_1 of the embodiment can produce a ratio Figure 10B The friction torque of the barrel portion 242_1 of the embodiment is large.

[0119] In the following, reference is made to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The first connection bracket 260_1 and the second connection bracket 260_2 are described in detail.

[0120] Figure 11 It is along Figure 6 A perspective sectional view taken along line AA'. Figure 12 yes Figure 6 FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a hinge cylinder accommodating portion of a first connecting bracket.

[0121] Reference Figure 6 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the first connection bracket 260_1 and the second connection bracket 260_2 may include base plates BT_1 and BT_2, rotor connection holes 261_1 and 261_2, support member connection holes 262_1 and 262_2, and hinge cylinder accommodating portions 263_1 and 263_2, respectively.

[0122] Because the first connection bracket 260_1 and the second connection bracket 260_2 are substantially identical or similar to each other, the description will focus primarily on the first connection bracket 260_1 .

[0123] The base plate BT_1 may have, but is not limited to, a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0124] The rotor connection hole 261_1 of the first connection bracket 260_1 can receive the connection protrusion 221_1 of the first rotor cam 221 , and the rotor connection hole 261_2 of the second connection bracket 260_2 can receive the connection protrusion 222_1 of the second rotor cam 222 .

[0125] The support member connection hole 262_1 is defined to penetrate the base plate BT_1. Although not shown in the drawings, the support member connection hole 262_1 of the first connection bracket 260_1 can accommodate a connection member (such as a bolt) for connecting to the first support member 110, and the support member connection hole 262_2 of the second connection bracket 260_2 can accommodate a connection member (such as a bolt) for connecting to the second support member 120.

[0126] The hinge barrel accommodation portion 263_1 is disposed below the base plate BT_1 and can slidably accommodate at least a portion of the first hinge barrel 240_1 in a bag-shaped inner space.

[0127] The hinge cylinder accommodation portion 263_1 may include an upper concave portion 263_G_1 , a lower concave portion 263_G_2 , and a slot S_1 .

[0128] An upper recessed portion 263_G_1 is disposed at the upper portion of the hinge barrel accommodating portion 263_1. The upper recessed portion 263_G_1 can be defined as being recessed in a direction from the side edge of the base plate BT_1, which is adjacent to the base frame 210, to the other edge at which the first support member 110 is disposed. The upper recessed portion 263_G_1 can accommodate the upper portion of the first hinge barrel 240_1. Specifically, the upper recessed portion 263_G_1 can accommodate the stepped portion 246_1 of the first hinge barrel 240_1. The stepped portion 246_1 of the first hinge barrel 240_1 can be sunken into the upper recessed portion 263_G_1 to limit the insertion depth of the first hinge barrel 240_1.

[0129] The lower concave portion 263_G_2 is disposed at the lower portion of the hinge barrel accommodating portion 263_1. The lower concave portion 263_G_2 can be defined as being concave in a direction from the side edge of the lower portion of the hinge barrel accommodating portion 263_1, which is close to the base frame 210, to the other side where the first support member 110 is disposed. When the display device 1 is folded or unfolded, the lower concave portion 263_G_2 can prevent any interference between the first hinge barrel 240_1 and the lower portion of the hinge barrel accommodating portion 263_1.

[0130] The slot S_1 is arranged toward the base frame 210. The slot S_1 can slidably accommodate at least a portion of the first hinge cylinder 240_1. When the display device 1 is folded or unfolded, the sliding rod 244_1 of the first hinge cylinder 240_1 can slide between the top surface GS1_1 and the bottom surface GS2_1 of the slot S_1 extending along the second direction DR2. In one embodiment, the slot S_1 can be arranged at Figure 11 and Figure 12 between the upper concave portion 263_G_1 and the lower concave portion 263_G_2.

[0131] When the display apparatus 1 is folded or unfolded, the first and second hinge barrels 240_1 and 240_2 and the first and second rotor cams 221 and 222 may rotate about the plurality of rotation axes RX.

[0132] In the following, reference is made to Figures 13 to 15 The plurality of rotation axes RX and the rotation of the components about the rotation axes RX are described in detail.

[0133] Figure 13 In the unfolded state of the display device, Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'. Figure 14 is in the first folded state of the display device along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'. Figure 15 is in the second folded state of the display device along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0134] Reference Figure 2 and Figures 13 to 15 , the hinge 200 may provide a plurality of rotation axes RX as described above.

[0135] The plurality of rotation axes RX may include a first rotation axis RX1_1 , a second rotation axis RX1_2 , a third rotation axis RX2_1 , and a fourth rotation axis RX2_2 .

[0136] The first, second, third, and fourth rotational axes RX1_1, RX1_2, RX2_1, and RX2_2 extend in parallel in a first direction DR1. In one embodiment, the first and second rotational axes RX1_1, RX1_2 may be provided by first and second rotor cams 221, 222, respectively, and the third and fourth rotational axes RX2_1, RX2_2 may be provided by first and second hinge pins 250_1, 250_2, respectively.

[0137] The first rotation axis RX1_1 and the second rotation axis RX1_2 may be arranged symmetrically about the center of the hinge 200 in a plan view. Similarly, the third rotation axis RX2_1 and the fourth rotation axis RX2_2 may be arranged symmetrically about the center of the hinge 200 in a plan view. Figure 13 As shown in FIG, the first and second rotation axes RX1_1 and RX1_2 and the third and fourth rotation axes RX2_1 and RX2_2 may be arranged in a cross-sectional view with respect to a virtual center line CL (see FIG. Figure 16 ) are arranged symmetrically.

[0138] The distance between the first and second rotation axes RX1_1 and RX1_2 may be smaller than the distance between the third and fourth rotation axes RX2_1 and RX2_2. The distance between the first and third rotation axes RX1_1 and RX2_1 and the distance between the second and fourth rotation axes RX1_2 and RX2_2 may be equal to each other.

[0139] The first support member 110 rotates about a first rotation axis RX1_1, and the second support member 120 rotates about a second rotation axis RX1_2. Specifically, the first support member 110 can rotate together with the first rotor cam 221 rotating about the first rotation axis RX1_1, and the second support member 120 can rotate together with the second rotor cam 222 rotating about the second rotation axis RX1_2. As described above, the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 can rotate in opposite directions. For example, when the display device 1 is folded, the first support member 110 can rotate clockwise, and the second support member 120 can rotate counterclockwise.

[0140] The first hinge cylinder 240_1 rotates around the third rotation axis RX2_1, and the second hinge cylinder 240_2 rotates around the fourth rotation axis RX2_2. The first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2 can rotate in opposite directions. The first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2 can rotate together with the first rotor cam 221 (first support member 110) and the second rotor cam 222 (second support member 120), respectively. For example, when the display device 1 is folded, the first hinge cylinder 240_1 can rotate in the clockwise direction, and the second hinge cylinder 240_2 can rotate in the counterclockwise direction.

[0141] The insertion depth of the first hinge cylinder 240_1 in the hinge cylinder accommodating portion 263_1 of the first connecting bracket 260_1 and the insertion depth of the second hinge cylinder 240_2 in the hinge cylinder accommodating portion 263_2 of the second connecting bracket 260_2 may vary depending on the angle between the first supporting member 110 and the second supporting member 120. Specifically, as the angle between the first supporting member 110 and the second supporting member 120 decreases, the distance between the end portion of the first hinge cylinder 240_1 accommodated in the hinge cylinder accommodating portion 263_1 and the inner wall of the hinge cylinder accommodating portion 263_1 facing the end portion, and the distance between the end portion of the second hinge cylinder 240_2 accommodated in the hinge cylinder accommodating portion 263_2 and the inner wall of the hinge cylinder accommodating portion 263_2 of the second connecting bracket 260_2 facing the end portion may increase. The angle between the first supporting member 110 and the second supporting member 120 may be an angle between the top surface of the first supporting member 110 and the top surface of the second supporting member 120. According to the arrangement of the plurality of rotation axes RX, when the display device 1 is in the first folded state, the first hinge barrel 240_1 and the second hinge barrel 240_2 may be arranged to be inclined relative to the first connecting bracket 260_1 and the second connecting bracket 260_2, respectively.

[0142] Reference Figure 2 and Figures 13 to 15 , the display device 1 can stop at a specific angle during folding or unfolding. This specific angle can be the angle between the first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2, the angle between the first connecting bracket 260_1 and the second connecting bracket 260_2, the angle between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120, and / or the angle between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. Specifically, the display device 1 can maintain this specific angle unless an external force or torque applied to the display device 1 exceeds a predetermined force or torque. The predetermined torque can be a friction torque generated by the friction between the first hinge pin 250_1 and the first hinge cylinder 240_1, and the friction between the second hinge pin 250_2 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2. The angle between the first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2, the angle between the first connecting bracket 260_1 and the second connecting bracket 260_2, the angle between the first supporting member 110 and the second supporting member 120 and / or the angle between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 are substantially the same as each other.

[0143] For example, Figure 13 As shown in , the display device 1 can maintain the angle between the first connecting bracket 260_1 and the second connecting bracket 260_2, or the angle between the first hinge cylinder 240_1 and the second hinge cylinder 240_2, at approximately 180°. When a torque equal to or greater than a predetermined level is applied, the display device 1 can be folded so that the first connecting bracket 260_1 and the second connecting bracket 260_2 form an angle within an approximate range greater than 0° and less than 180°, for example, approximately 45°, 90°, or 135°. Thereafter, if a torque greater than the predetermined level is not applied, the angle between the first connecting bracket 260_1 and the second connecting bracket 260_2 can remain constant. If a torque greater than the predetermined level is continued to be applied, the display device 1 can be fully folded so that the first connecting bracket 260_1 and the second connecting bracket 260_2 form an angle of approximately 0° or 360°. Thereafter, if a torque greater than the predetermined level is not applied, the display device 1 can remain in the fully folded state. That is, the display device 1 can continue to fold / unfold by changing the angle between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 by a moment equal to or greater than a predetermined level, and the display device 1 can stop folding / unfolding by maintaining the angle between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 by a moment less than a predetermined level.

[0144] Figure 16 It shows Figure 13 A cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the rotation axis. Figure 17 yes Figure 16A cross-sectional view of a display module and a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis.

[0145] exist Figure 17 In the figure, for the convenience of explanation, other components except the display module DM are omitted.

[0146] Reference Figures 13 to 17 , the first rotation axis RX1_1 and the second rotation axis RX1_2 can be arranged outside the hinge 200. The third rotation axis RX2_1 and the fourth rotation axis RX2_2 can be arranged to pass through the interior of the hinge 200. In one embodiment, in a cross-sectional view, the first rotation axis RX1_1 and the second rotation axis RX1_2 can be arranged in the display module DM, and the third rotation axis RX2_1 and the fourth rotation axis RX2_2 can be arranged below the display module DM. In detail, the first rotation axis RX1_1 and the second rotation axis RX1_2 can be arranged on the top surface or the bottom surface of the display module DM, or arranged inside the display module DM.

[0147] The first and second rotation axes RX1_1 and RX1_2 may be arranged at a first distance from the center of curvature CC of the display panel 10, and the third and fourth rotation axes RX2_1 and RX2_2 may be arranged at a second distance from the center of curvature CC of the display panel 10. In one embodiment, the center of curvature CC may not be arranged at the intersection of the first and second reference lines RL1 and RL2 (to be described later). In some embodiments, the center of curvature CC may be arranged at the intersection of the first and second reference lines RL1 and RL2 (to be described later). As described above, the center of curvature CC of the display panel 10 may be the center of curvature of the portion of the display module DM arranged in the folding area FA to be folded or unfolded when the display device 1 is folded or unfolded. The center of curvature CC of the display panel 10 may overlap with the center of the hinge 200 in the thickness direction. In one embodiment, the first distance may be equal to or less than the second distance. In one embodiment, the first distance may be the radius of curvature R of the display panel 10. The curvature radius R may be a distance between top surfaces or bottom surfaces of one portion and another portion of the display panel 10 that are arranged to face each other when the display panel 10 is folded.

[0148] Reference Figure 17, the first rotation axis RX1_1 and the second rotation axis RX1_2 can be arranged on the first reference line RL1 and the second reference line RL2, respectively. In detail, it can be possible to define a center line CL, that is, when the display device 1 is unfolded, the center line CL that is perpendicular to the top surface or the bottom surface of the display panel 10 and passes through the center of curvature CC of the display panel 10. It can also be possible to define a first reference point RP1 and a second reference point RP2 on the top surface of the display panel 10, and the first reference point RP1 and the second reference point RP2 are separated from the center line CL by a curvature radius R of the display panel 10 in the second direction DR2. The first reference line RL1 and the second reference line RL2 can pass through the first reference point RP1 and the second reference point RP2, respectively, and both form an angle of 45° with the center line CL. In detail, as Figure 16 As shown in , the first reference line RL1 can be arranged to form an angle of approximately 45° with the center line CL in the clockwise direction, and the second reference line RL2 can be arranged to form an angle of approximately 45° with the center line CL in the counterclockwise direction. That is, the first reference line RL1 and the second reference line RL2 can be arranged to intersect each other at a right angle. The first rotation axis RX1_1 and the second rotation axis RX1_2 can be respectively arranged at portions of the first reference line RL1 and the second reference line RL2 that overlap with the display module DM in a cross-sectional view. The portions of the first reference line RL1 and the second reference line RL2 may include points at which the stress applied to the display module DM is minimized (e.g., at least one point on or near the neutral surface NS).

[0149] Reference Figure 16 and Figure 17 , the third rotation axis RX2_1 and the fourth rotation axis RX2_2 can be arranged within a predetermined range relative to the first reference line RL1 and the second reference line RL2. In detail, the third rotation axis RX2_1 can be arranged within a first angle AN1 with respect to the first reference line RL1 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction around the first rotation axis RX1_1, and the fourth rotation axis RX2_2 can be arranged within a second angle AN2 with respect to the second reference line RL2 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction around the second rotation axis RX1_2. The first angle AN1 and the second angle AN2 can be equal to or different from each other. In one embodiment, the first angle AN1 and the second angle AN2 can be approximately greater than 0° and equal to or less than 10°. In some embodiments, the first angle AN1 and the second angle AN2 can be approximately 5°.

[0150] In summarizing the detailed description, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments without departing substantially from the principles of the present invention. Therefore, the preferred embodiments of the disclosed invention are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display module comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a hinge, disposed on the second surface of the display module; a first support member connected to a first side of the hinge; as well as a second support member connected to a second side of the hinge, the second side being opposite the first side, wherein the hinge comprises: a base frame; a first hinge pin disposed on a first side of the base frame; a second hinge pin disposed on a second side of the base frame, the second side of the base frame being opposite to the first side of the base frame; a first hinge cylinder rotatably coupled to the first hinge pin; and a second hinge cylinder rotatably coupled to the second hinge pin, and Wherein, the first hinge cylinder and the second hinge cylinder are rotatable independently of each other.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein Each of the first hinge cylinder and the second hinge cylinder includes a body portion, a cylinder portion connected to a first side of the body portion, and a pair of sliding bars protruding from the body portion.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The first hinge pin and the second hinge pin are inserted into the barrel portion of the first hinge barrel and the barrel portion of the second hinge barrel, respectively.

4. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising: a hinged cover covering the underside of the base frame, Wherein, each of the first hinge cylinder and the second hinge cylinder provides a hinge cover accommodating groove, and the hinge cover accommodating groove is defined between the main body part and the cylinder part.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first hinge cylinder rotates as the first supporting member rotates, and the second hinge cylinder rotates as the second supporting member rotates. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein: The hinge further comprises: a first rotor cam coupled to the base frame; a second rotor cam coupled to the base frame; a first connecting bracket connecting the first supporting member to the first rotor cam; and A second connecting bracket connects the second supporting member to the second rotor cam.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: One side of the first hinge cylinder is slidably inserted into the first connecting bracket, and one side of the second hinge cylinder is slidably inserted into the second connecting bracket.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein When a moment equal to or greater than a predetermined level is applied to the display device, an angle between the first supporting member and the second supporting member changes, and when a moment less than the predetermined level is applied to the display device, the angle between the first supporting member and the second supporting member is maintained.

9. A display device, comprising: A display module comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a hinge, disposed on the second surface of the display module; a first support member connected to a first side of the hinge; as well as a second support member connected to a second side of the hinge, the second side being opposite the first side, The hinge comprises: a base frame; a first hinge pin provided on a first side of the base frame; a second hinge pin provided on a second side of the base frame, the second side of the base frame being opposite to the first side of the base frame; a first hinge cylinder rotatably coupled to the first hinge pin; and a second hinge cylinder rotatably coupled to the second hinge pin. wherein each of the first hinge cylinder and the second hinge cylinder comprises: a main body portion; a cylinder portion connected to a first side of the main body portion; and a pair of sliding rods protruding from the main body portion, and Wherein, the barrel portion defines a slit.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein Each of the first hinge cylinder and the second hinge cylinder further includes a connecting portion connecting the main body portion to the cylinder portion, a first side of the cylinder portion being connected to the connecting portion, and the slit being defined on a second side of the cylinder portion opposite to the first side of the cylinder portion relative to a center of curvature of the cylinder portion.

11. The display device according to claim 9, wherein The hinge is configured to provide a rotation axis in a first direction.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein The slit extends in the first direction.

13. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The first hinge pin and the second hinge pin are inserted into the barrel portion of the first hinge barrel and the barrel portion of the second hinge barrel, respectively.

14. The display device according to claim 9, further comprising: a hinged cover covering the underside of the base frame, Wherein, each of the first hinge cylinder and the second hinge cylinder provides a hinge cover accommodating groove, and the hinge cover accommodating groove is defined between the main body part and the cylinder part.

15. A display device, comprising: A display module comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a hinge, disposed on the second surface of the display module; a first support member connected to a first side of the hinge; as well as a second support member connected to a second side of the hinge, the second side being opposite the first side, Wherein, the hinge comprises: a base frame; a first hinge pin, arranged on a first side of the base frame; a second hinge pin, arranged on a second side of the base frame, the second side of the base frame being opposite to the first side of the base frame, and Wherein, each of the first hinge pin and the second hinge pin includes: a cylindrical portion; a head portion, arranged on a first end of the cylindrical portion; a tail portion, arranged on a second end of the cylindrical portion; and a locking portion, between the cylindrical portion and the head portion.

16. The display device according to claim 15, further comprising: a first hinge cylinder rotatably coupled to the first hinge pin; as well as A second hinge cylinder is rotatably coupled to the second hinge pin.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: Each of the first hinge cylinder and the second hinge cylinder includes a body portion, a cylinder portion connected to a first side of the body portion, and a pair of sliding bars protruding from the body portion.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The first hinge pin and the second hinge pin are inserted into the barrel portion of the first hinge barrel and the barrel portion of the second hinge barrel, respectively.

19. The display device according to claim 17, further comprising: a hinged cover covering the underside of the base frame, Wherein, each of the first hinge cylinder and the second hinge cylinder provides a hinge cover accommodating groove, and the hinge cover accommodating groove is defined between the main body part and the cylinder part.

20. The display device according to claim 16, wherein The first hinge cylinder rotates as the first supporting member rotates, and the second hinge cylinder rotates as the second supporting member rotates.

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