Slidable device and display device including same

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device and a slidable device. The display device includes: a display panel defining a screen and including a first screen portion and a second screen portion different from each other; a support plate including a first side to which the display panel is attached and a second side, the support plate including a first support portion corresponding to the first screen portion and a second support portion corresponding to the second screen portion; a hinge portion provided in the second support portion to allow the second support portion to be folded or unfolded; a hinge cap protruding from the second side while covering the hinge portion; and a driving roller including gear teeth protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the driving roller to interlock with the hinge cap.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a slidable device and a display device including the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] With recent developments in display technology, various deformable flexible display devices capable of expanding a display screen through a folding, rolling, stretching, or sliding method are being researched and developed. Such flexible display devices provide the advantage of being able to enlarge a display during use or minimize the size of the display for portability.

[0003] Among flexible display devices, a slidable display device has a structure capable of expanding or contracting a display screen in a sliding manner. The slidable display device can include a display panel displaying an image and a support structure supporting the display panel, and the size and shape of the display panel can change depending on whether the slidable display device is in a slide-out state or in a slide-in state. SUMMARY

[0004] Conventional slidable display devices can desire improvements in structural stability and expandability. In particular, technical improvements are desired to minimize panel wrinkles or damage that can occur during sliding, and to improve the durability and expandability of the support structure.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a slidable device having a structure that can stably implement a wide screen even when the size of the device is limited, and a display device including the same.

[0006] A display device according to an embodiment includes a display panel defining a screen, wherein the display panel includes a first screen portion and a second screen portion different from each other, a support plate including a first side and a second side opposite to each other, wherein the display panel is attached to the first side, and the support plate includes a first support portion corresponding to the first screen portion and a second support portion corresponding to the second screen portion, a hinge portion disposed in the second support portion, wherein the hinge portion allows the second support portion to be folded or unfolded, a hinge cap protruding from the second side while covering the hinge portion, and a driving roller including a gear tooth protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the driving roller to interlock with the hinge cap.

[0007] In an embodiment, the hinge portion can include a pair of engaging edges, a pair of split segments of the second support portion are rotatably engaged to the pair of engaging edges, respectively, and the hinge cap can define a space in which the pair of engaging edges are accommodated.

[0008] In an embodiment, the pair of engaging edges can have a rotational gear meshing structure.

[0009] In an embodiment, each of the pair of joint edges can include a fastening groove extending in the first direction, and the hinge cap can include a fastening rod extending in the first direction and fitted in the fastening groove.

[0010] In an embodiment, the fastening rod can include a guide protrusion protruding from the pair of joint edges in the first direction.

[0011] In an embodiment, the hinge cap can include a top surface facing the outer peripheral surface when meeting the driving roller and a pair of side surfaces facing the gear teeth, and the pair of side surfaces can extend from the top surface in directions away from each other.

[0012] In an embodiment, the hinge portion can include a pair of hinge portions adjacent to each other, and the display device can further include a pair of rail rods protruding from the second side between the pair of hinge portions and extending in the first direction in the second support portion.

[0013] In an embodiment, the hinge portion can include a pair of hinge portions adjacent to each other, and the second support portion can include a bending area foldable and unfoldable and disposed between the pair of hinge portions.

[0014] In an embodiment, the display device can further include a guide rod extending in the first direction on the second side in the bending area.

[0015] A display device according to an embodiment includes a display panel defining a screen, wherein the display panel includes a first screen portion and a second screen portion different from each other, a housing defining an internal space accommodating the display panel, wherein an opening through which the screen is exposed is defined in the housing, and the housing is configured to be contracted to expose the first screen portion or expanded to expose the first screen portion and the second screen portion, a support plate at least partially accommodated in the internal space of the housing, wherein the support plate includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the display panel is attached to the first side, and the support plate includes a first support portion corresponding to the first screen portion and a second support portion corresponding to the second screen portion, a hinge portion disposed in the second support portion, wherein the hinge portion allows the second support portion to be folded or unfolded, a hinge cap protruding from the second side while covering the hinge portion, and a driving roller accommodated in the internal space of the housing, wherein the driving roller includes a gear tooth protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the driving roller to interlock with the hinge cap.

[0016] In an embodiment, the hinge portion can include a pair of hinge portions adjacent to each other, and the second support portion can include a bending area foldable and unfoldable and disposed between the pair of hinge portions.

[0017] In an embodiment, the display device can further include a guide rod extending in the first direction on the second side in the bending area.

[0018] In an embodiment, the housing can include a first guide rail extending along a sliding path of the bending area, and the guide rod can be restricted to move along the first guide rail.

[0019] In an embodiment, the hinge portion can include a pair of engaging edges, a pair of separate segments of the second support portion are rotatably engaged to the pair of engaging edges, respectively, and the hinge cap can have a space in which the pair of engaging edges are accommodated.

[0020] In an embodiment, each of the pair of engaging edges can include a fastening groove extending in the first direction, and the hinge cap can include a fastening rod extending in the first direction and fitted in the fastening groove.

[0021] In an embodiment, the fastening rod can include a guide protrusion protruding from the pair of engaging edges in the first direction.

[0022] In an embodiment, the housing can include a second guide rail extending along a sliding path of the hinge portion, and the guide protrusion can be restricted to move along the second guide rail.

[0023] A slidable device according to an embodiment includes a support plate including first and second sides facing each other and first and second support portions different from each other, a hinge portion disposed in the second support portion, wherein the hinge portion allows the second support portion to be folded or unfolded, a hinge cap protruding from the second side while covering the hinge portion, and a drive roller including gear teeth protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the drive roller to interlock with the hinge cap.

[0024] In an embodiment, the hinge portion can include a pair of hinge portions adjacent to each other, and the second support portion can further include a pair of rail rods protruding from the second side between the pair of hinge portions and extending in the first direction in the second support portion.

[0025] In an embodiment, the second support portion can include a bending area foldable and unfoldable and disposed between the pair of rail rods.

[0026] In an embodiment, the slidable device can further include a guide rod extending in the first direction on the second side in the bending area.

[0027] In an embodiment, the slidable device can further include a housing configured to be contracted to expose the first screen portion or expanded to expose the first screen portion and the second screen portion, wherein the housing can include a first guide rail extending along a sliding path of the bending area, and the guide rod can be restricted to move along the first guide rail.

[0028] In an embodiment, the hinge portion can include a pair of engaging edges, a pair of separate segments of the second support portion can be rotatably engaged to the pair of engaging edges, respectively, and the hinge cap can define a space in which the pair of engaging edges is accommodated.

[0029] In an embodiment, the pair of engaging edges can have a rotational gear meshing structure.

[0030] In an embodiment, each of the pair of engaging edges can include a fastening groove extending in a first direction, and the hinge cap can include a fastening rod extending in the first direction and fitted in the fastening groove.

[0031] In an embodiment, the fastening rod can include a guide protrusion protruding from the pair of engaging edges in the first direction.

[0032] In an embodiment, the slidable device can further include a housing configured to be contracted to expose the first screen portion or expanded to expose the first screen portion and the second screen portion, wherein the housing can include a second guide rail extending along a sliding path of the hinge portion, and the guide protrusion can be restricted to move along the second guide rail.

[0033] In an embodiment, the hinge cap can include a top surface facing an outer peripheral surface when meeting the driving roller and a pair of side surfaces facing the gear teeth, and the pair of side surfaces can extend from the top surface in directions away from each other.

[0034] In the slidable device or the display device according to the embodiment of the disclosure, a wide screen can be stably implemented even when the size of the device is limited.

[0035] In such an embodiment, since the guide protrusion or the guide rod is provided on the support plate of the slidable driving and is restricted to move along the guide rail arranged inside the housing, the sliding motion of the support plate can be stably guided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device in a slide-in state according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a display device in a slide-in state according to an embodiment. Figure 1 is a bottom view of the display device of FIG. 1.

[0038] Figure 2B is a front view of the display device of FIG. 1. Figure 1

[0039] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a display device in a slide-out state according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a display device in a slide-out state according to an embodiment.​Figure 3 A bottom view of the display device.

[0041] Figure 4B yes Figure 3 A front view of the display device.

[0042] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device.

[0043] Figure 6 It is applied to Figure 1 A partially enlarged perspective view of a portion of the sliding device of the display device shown.

[0044] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The front view.

[0045] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 An enlarged front view of the second support portion of the sliding device shown.

[0046] Figure 9 It is used to describe in Figure 6 A partial perspective view of the process of assembling the hinge cap to the joint edge of the segment in the sliding device shown.

[0047] Figure 10 It is applied to Figure 3 A partially enlarged perspective view of the sliding device of the display apparatus shown.

[0048] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The front view.

[0049] Figure 12 The image shows the sliding device, the first guide rail, and the second guide rail together in a state before the display device is extended, according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figure 13 The illustration shows the sliding device, the first guide rail, and the second guide rail together in the extended state of the display device according to the embodiment.

[0051] Figure 14 The image shows a sliding device and a first guide rail together in a state before the display device is extended, according to another embodiment.

[0052] Figure 15 The image shows a sliding device and a second guide rail together in a state before the display device is extended, according to yet another embodiment.

[0053] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a sliding device applied to a display device according to another embodiment.

[0054] Figure 17 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0055] Figure 18 shows a schematic view of an electronic device according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The present application will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. The present application may, however, be embodied in many 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 application to those skilled in the art.

[0057] In order to clearly explain the present disclosure, portions unrelated to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0058] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for better understanding and ease of description, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to what is shown. In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, and the like is exaggerated for clarity. In addition, the thickness of some layers and regions can be exaggerated for better understanding and ease of description.

[0059] It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements can also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, then there are no intervening elements present. In addition, "over" or "on" as used herein refer to being disposed above or below the elements indicated without necessarily meaning disposed above or below with respect to gravitational forces.

[0060] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third", and the like can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, "a first element", "a first component", "a first region", "a first layer", or "a first portion" discussed below can be termed a second element, a second component, a second region, a second layer, or a second portion without departing from the teachings herein.

[0061] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, "a," "an," "the," and "at least one" are not intended to refer to a quantity of less than one, and are intended to be synonymous with "one or more" unless otherwise indicated by context. Thus, reference to "a" or "the" element includes one or more elements. For example, "a" component has the same meaning as "at least one" component. "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 be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," or "includes" and / or "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0062] In addition, relative terms such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top" can be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as the device is oriented in the drawing. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in one of the drawings is turned over, elements described as being on the "lower" side of other elements would then be oriented on "upper" sides and vice versa. The term "lower", can thus encompass both an "lower" and "upper" orientation depending on the particular orientation being referred to unless otherwise specified. Similarly, if the device in one of the drawings is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements would then be oriented "above" the other elements. The terms "below" or "beneath" can thus encompass both an above and below orientation depending on the particular orientation being referred to.

[0063] Furthermore, throughout the specification, the phrase "on plane" means to view the subject portion from the top, and the phrase "on cross-section" means to view the cross-section formed by cutting the subject portion vertically from the side.

[0064] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0065] Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. Variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are expected to occur. Thus, embodiments described herein are not to be construed as limited to the precise shapes illustrated herein but are to include variations in shapes resulting from, for example, manufacturing. For example, an area illustrated or described as flat can often have rough and / or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles illustrated can be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region but are intended to illustrate the regions schematically. Embodiments described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or any combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the processing units can be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof.

[0066] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device in a slide-in state according to an embodiment, Figure 2A is Figure 1 a bottom view of the display device of Figure 2B is a front view of the display device of Figure 1 .

[0067] Referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B , a display device 100 according to an embodiment is a display device including a slidable device 110 capable of slideable operation, and includes a display panel 120 configured to display a screen and a support plate 130 to which one surface of the display panel 120 is attached. The display panel 120 and the support plate 130 can be accommodated in an inner space of a housing 180, and the housing 180 can define an opening 181 for exposing the screen of the display panel 120.

[0068] In an embodiment, the display panel 120 includes a substrate on which a plurality of pixels capable of displaying an image in an x-y plane are formed. Each pixel can include at least one transistor and a light emitting element. The display panel 120 can have a display surface that can display an image in a z-axis direction (i.e., on a side opposite to a side on which the support plate 130 is disposed) of Figure 1 and can be fully flexible or partially flexible.

[0069] In an embodiment, as Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs illustrated in the middle, the support plate 130 includes a first side (or a first surface) 131 and a second side (or a second surface) 132 opposite to each other, and the display panel 120 can be attached to the first side 131. The display panel 120 includes a first screen portion 121 and a second screen portion 122 different from each other, and the support plate 130 includes a first support portion 135 corresponding to the first screen portion 121 and a second support portion 136 corresponding to the second screen portion 122. The housing 180 can be reduced to expose only the first screen portion 121, or can be expanded to expose both the first screen portion 121 and the second screen portion 122. The area of the opening 181 can be reduced or expanded as the housing 180 is reduced or expanded. In an embodiment, for example, the support plate 130 can include metal or glass.

[0070] When the display device 100 is in the slide-in state, the housing 180 of the display device 100 remains in the contracted state, the first screen portion 121 can be exposed through the opening 181 of the housing 180, and the second screen portion 122 can be accommodated inside the housing 180 and not exposed. The first support portion 135 of the support plate 130 supports the first screen portion 121, and can be disposed to correspond to the opening 181 of the housing 180. The second support portion 136 of the support plate 130 supports the second screen portion 122, and can be accommodated in the internal space of the housing 180.

[0071] The drive roller 160 rotating and sliding the support plate 130 is disposed in the internal space of the housing 180. The drive roller 160 extends in a first direction (x-axis direction in the drawing), and can be disposed at an arbitrary end portion in a second direction (y-axis direction in the drawing) intersecting the first direction in the internal space of the housing 180. The drive roller 160 can drive the support plate 130 in the positive (+) y-axis direction or the negative (-) y-axis direction by rotating around an axis parallel to the first direction.

[0072] When the drive roller 160 rotates clockwise, the second support portion 136 moving into the housing 180 can be accommodated in the internal space of the housing 180 in a folded state or by being folded at the hinge portion 141 (refer to Figure 2B ). The second support portion 136 includes a plurality of hinge portions 141, each of which can be folded in one direction. Also, the second support portion 136 can be folded at a portion between a pair of adjacent hinge portions 141 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the hinge portions 141 are folded. Accordingly, the second support portion 136 can be accommodated in the internal space of the housing 180 in a crumpled state having a zigzag shape.

[0073] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a display device in a slide-out state according to an embodiment, Figure 4A isFigure 3 A bottom view of the display device, and Figure 4B yes Figure 3 A front view of the display device.

[0074] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4B When the display device 100 is in the slid-out state, the housing 180 of the display device 100 remains in the extended state, and the first screen portion 121 and the second screen portion 122 can be exposed through the opening 181 of the housing 180. The first support portion 135 and the second support portion 136 of the support plate 130 can be configured to correspond to the opening 181 of the housing 180.

[0075] Even in the slid-out state, the end of the second support portion 136 located away from the first support portion 135 can remain engaged with the drive roller 160. Here, the opening 181 of the housing 180 can extend to the front (side facing the z-axis direction of the drawing) and the side surface (side facing the y-axis direction of the drawing) of the display device 100, and a portion of the second screen portion 122 can display a screen from the side surface of the display device 100.

[0076] When the drive roller 160 rotates counterclockwise, the second support portion 136, housed within the internal space of the housing 180, switches to an unfolded state in the hinge portion 141 and can correspond to the opening 181 (see reference). Figure 4B When the second support portion 136 is driven to unfold at each of the plurality of hinge portions 141, the second support portion 136 can also be converted into an unfolded state at the portion between a pair of adjacent hinge portions 141. Therefore, the second support portion 136, which has moved to correspond to the opening 181, becomes flat and can stably support the second screen portion 122. The display device 100 can display a screen in the area extended by the first screen portion 121 and the second screen portion 122 after being extended in the slid-out state.

[0077] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device.

[0078] refer to Figure 5In an embodiment, the support plate 130 of the display device 100 can include a first support portion 135 and a second support portion 136 that are different from each other (have different structures), and the display panel 120 can include a first screen portion 121 and a second screen portion 122 that are continuously disposed above the first support portion 135 and the second support portion 136. The first screen portion 121 is a flat portion that is stacked and fixed on the first support portion 135 and remains flat even when the display device 100 is driven to slide. The second screen portion 122 is a sliding portion that is stacked on the second support portion 136 and slides and is hidden in an inner space of the housing 180 of the display device 100 when the display device 100 is driven to slide.

[0079] The display device 100 can include an upper layer 113 and a lower layer 115 that can be separated from each other based on a display layer DPL. In an embodiment, for example, the upper layer 113 is disposed above the display layer DPL, and the lower layer 115 can include the display layer DPL, and the display layer DPL can be the uppermost layer of the lower layer 115. The upper layer 113 can include a configuration that protects the display layer DPL from an external environment without blurring an image displayed from the display layer DPL. The lower layer 115 can include a configuration that fixes the display layer DPL to a sliding device while protecting and reinforcing the display layer DPL and moving the display layer DPL according to sliding driving.

[0080] In an embodiment, for example, the upper layer 113 can include a damping layer DL, an ultra-thin tempered glass (UTG) layer UTG, and a protection layer PL that are disposed in order on the display layer DPL. A first pressure sensitive adhesive layer PSA1 is interposed between the damping layer DL and the UTG layer UTG to provide adhesive strength. The lower layer 115 can include a protection film PF and the support plate 130 below the display layer DPL in order. The first support portion 135 of the support plate 130 can include a flat metal plate. The second support portion 136 of the support plate 130 can include a plurality of segments 138 that are connected to each other via a hinge portion 141. A second pressure sensitive adhesive layer PSA2 is interposed between the display layer DPL and the protection film PF, and a third pressure sensitive adhesive layer PSA3 is interposed between the protection film PF and the first support portion 135 to provide adhesive strength. Further, a barrier layer BA can be disposed between the protection film PF and the second support portion 136, and a fourth pressure sensitive adhesive layer PSA4 and a fifth pressure sensitive adhesive layer PSA5 can be interposed between the protection film PF and the barrier layer BA and between the barrier layer BA and the second support portion 136, respectively, to provide adhesive strength. The barrier layer BA can improve the performance and lifespan of the display layer DPL by effectively preventing moisture and oxygen from permeating from an external environment and providing resistance to mechanical stress.

[0081] Figure 6 is applied to Figure 1a partial enlarged perspective view of a portion of the slidable device of the display device shown in Figure 7 is Figure 6 a front view. Figure 8 is Figure 6 an enlarged front view of a second support portion of the slidable device shown in Figure 9 is a partial perspective view for describing a process of fitting a hinge cap to a joint edge of a segment in the slidable device shown in Figure 6

[0082] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In an embodiment of the slidable device 110, the second support portion 136 of the support plate 130 includes a plurality of hinge portions 141 configured to be capable of a folding and unfolding operation. That is, the plurality of hinge portions 141 can allow the second support portion 136 to be folded or unfolded. The plurality of hinge portions 141 can each include a pair of joint edges 139 at which a pair of segments 138 adjacent to each other are coupled to each other. Each of the plurality of hinge portions 141 can be covered with a hinge cap 142 extending in a first direction.

[0083] The segment 138 can have a narrow and long strip shape extending in a first direction (x-axis direction in the drawing). The joint edge 139 can be provided on each edge of the segment 138 in a second direction (y-axis direction in the drawing) and can extend in the first direction. However, a front end portion 136A of the second support portion 136 extending from the first support portion 135 can be provided with the joint edge 139 on only one rear side. The front end portion 136A and the segment 138 immediately adjacent thereto can form a first hinge portion 141. In addition, a rear end portion 136B of the second support portion 136 can be provided with the joint edge 139 on only one front side. The rear end portion 136B and the segment 138 immediately adjacent thereto can form a last hinge portion 141.

[0084] The driving roller 160 can be configured to rotate and drive the second support portion 136 of the support plate 130 while being positioned to one side in the second direction within the housing 180. In an embodiment, the driving roller 160 can include a gear tooth 163 along an outer peripheral surface of the driving roller 160, and the second support portion 136 can include a rail 144 on the second side 132. The gear tooth 163 protrudes in a radial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the driving roller 160, and the rail 144 can protrude from the second side 132 of the second support portion 136. In addition, the gear tooth 163 and the rail 144 can each extend in the first direction. In an embodiment, for example, the rail 144 can include a metal and can be attached to the second support portion 136 via a heat press process or an adhesive tape.

[0085] Referring to Figure 8 and​Figure 9 In an embodiment, the pair of engaging edges 139 can be engaged with each other to allow relative rotation, and for example, can have a rotational gear meshing structure. That is, the pair of engaging edges 139 can include gear teeth that can be interlocked and rotated at portions where the gear teeth contact each other. The hinge cap 142 can define a space that accommodates the pair of engaging edges 139. The space in the hinge cap 142 can accommodate the meshing gear teeth of the pair of engaging edges 139 that rotate together.

[0086] Each of the pair of engaging edges 139 can have a fastening groove 139r extending in the first direction. The fastening groove 139r can be disposed on opposite sides of the portion where the gear teeth are formed. The hinge cap 142 can include a fastening rod 142r that is fitted to the fastening groove 139r. The fastening rod 142r can be integrally formed with the hinge cap 142 as a portion of the hinge cap 142.

[0087] The hinge cap 142 can be engaged to the segment 138 by inserting the fastening rod 142r into the fastening groove 139r of the engaging edge 139. In an embodiment, for example, since the fastening rod 142r and the fastening groove 139r extend in the same direction, the hinge cap 142 and the segment 138 can be engaged with each other by being pushed in the first direction while aligning the pair of fastening rods 142r of the hinge cap 142 with each fastening groove 139r of the pair of engaging edges 139 (refer to FIG. 6B). Figure 9 ).

[0088] The fastening rod 142r can include a guide protrusion 142p protruding from each of the pair of engaging edges 139 in the first direction. That is, the fastening rod 142r including the guide protrusion 142p can extend in the first direction to a length longer than the length of the segment 138 in the first direction. Accordingly, although the fastening rod 142r is fitted with the fastening groove 139r, the guide protrusion 142p can protrude from the end of the segment 138 (refer to FIG. 6B). The guide protrusion 142p can be restricted to move along a guide rail formed inside the housing 180. Accordingly, the sliding motion of the second support portion 136 can be stably guided. Figure 6 ). The guide protrusion 142p can be restricted to move along a guide rail formed inside the housing 180. Accordingly, the sliding motion of the second support portion 136 can be stably guided.

[0089] The hinge cap 142 includes a top surface 142u and a pair of side surfaces 142s. The pair of side surfaces 142s can extend from the top surface 142u in directions away from each other, so that the hinge cap 142 can have an approximately trapezoidal shape. When contacting the drive roller 160, the top surface 142u of the hinge cap 142 can face the outer circumferential surface of the drive roller 160, and the pair of side surfaces 142s can face the gear teeth 163.

[0090] Rail bars 144 can be provided between a pair of adjacent hinge portions 141. A pair of rail bars 144 can be provided between each of a plurality of hinge portions 141. In addition, the second supporting portion 136 can include a foldable curved region 138f between a pair of rail bars 144. The curved region 138f can be implemented by pre-folding to generate a shape or by a method of slightly thinning the thickness of the corresponding portion, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0091] When viewed from the front, a pair of segments 138 constituting the hinge portion 141 are disposed close to each other while performing relative rotation about the center of the fastening groove 139r as a rotation axis, and thus the second supporting portion 136 is in a folded state. In this case, the curved region 138f is also folded so that the second supporting portion 136 has a zigzag shape. When a pair of segments 138 are disposed away from each other by relative rotation, the second supporting portion 136 becomes unfolded. In this case, the curved region 138f can also be unfolded together.

[0092] A guide bar 147 can be provided on the second side 132 in the curved region 138f of the second supporting portion 136. The guide bar 147 can extend in the first direction, and can protrude from the end of the segment 138 of the second supporting portion 136 in the first direction. That is, the length of the guide bar 147 in the first direction can be longer than the length of the segment 138 in the first direction (refer to Figure 6 ). The guide bar 147 can be restricted to move along a guide rail formed inside the housing 180. Accordingly, the sliding motion of the second supporting portion 136 can be stably guided. The guide bar 147 can be fixed to the second side 132 of the second supporting portion 136.

[0093] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a partial enlargement of the slidable device applied to the display device shown in Figure 3 , and Figure 11 is a front view of Figure 10 .

[0094] Referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , in the embodiment of the display device 100 in the slide-out state, the slidable device 110 can be extended by being pulled out (refer to Figure 4B ) from the inner space of the housing 180 to the second supporting portion 136 of the support plate 130. A plurality of segments 138 separated with respect to the hinge portion 141 can be aligned side by side, and the engaging edges 139 are adjacent to each other. Each of the plurality of segments 138 can be unfolded in a flat form so that the first side 131 of the segment 138 is located on the same plane.

[0095] When the drive roller 160 of the sliding device 110 rotates to extend the display device 100, the gear teeth 163 engage the rail 144 of the second support portion 136, and the rail 144 moves in the rotational direction of the drive roller 160. As the rail 144 moves, the second support portion 136 also moves, and the hinge portion 141 provided on the second support portion 136 gradually moves closer to the drive roller 160. As the hinge portion 141 approaches the drive roller 160, the segment 138 constituting the hinge portion 141 gradually unfolds while rotating about the engagement edge 139. When the hinge portion 141 meets the drive roller 160, the segment 138 can be fully unfolded. In this case, the hinge cap 142 covering the hinge portion 141 can move along the outer periphery of the drive roller 160 while engaging between the gear teeth 163 of the drive roller 160.

[0096] The second support portion 136 of the support plate 130, through which the drive roller 160 passes, can remain flat, with the first side 131 facing upwards. Here, since the second side 132 of the second support portion 136 faces the interior of the housing 180, the rail 144 and hinge cap 142 protruding from the second side 132 do not need to protrude outwards.

[0097] Figure 12 The illustration shows the sliding device, the first guide rail, and the second guide rail together in a state before the display device is extended, according to an embodiment. Figure 13 The illustration shows the sliding device, the first guide rail, and the second guide rail together in the extended state of the display device according to the embodiment.

[0098] refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 According to the embodiment, the housing 180 of the display device 100 (reference) Figure 2B It includes a first guide rail 183 corresponding to the guide rod 147 and a second guide rail 184 corresponding to the guide protrusion 142p.

[0099] The first guide rail 183 can extend along the sliding path of the curved region 138f of segment 138. The guide rod 147 can be restricted to move along the first guide rail 183. That is, when segment 138 moves, the guide rod 147 can move only along a predetermined path set by the first guide rail 183, and therefore, the movement of segment 138 can also be restricted to movement along the first guide rail 183.

[0100] The second guide rail 184 can extend along the sliding path of the hinge portion 141. The guide protrusion 142p can be restricted to move along the second guide rail 184. That is, when the hinge portion 141 moves, the guide protrusion 142p can move only along the path set by the second guide rail 184, and therefore the movement of the hinge portion 141 can also be restricted to movement along the second guide rail 184.

[0101] According to the embodiment, when the display device 100 is slid, the guide rod 147 and the guide protrusion 142p slide along the first rail 183 and the second rail 184, respectively, and thus the sliding motion of the second support portion 136 can be stably guided.

[0102] Figure 14 A slidable device of a display device according to another embodiment and a first rail are shown in a state before the display device is expanded.

[0103] Referring to Figure 14 , the housing of the display device 102 according to the embodiment includes a first rail 183 corresponding to the guide rod 147. In such an embodiment, as shown in Figure 14 , a second rail 184 corresponding to the guide protrusion 142p shown in Figure 12 may be omitted.

[0104] The first rail 183 can extend along a path along which the segment 138 slides along the curved area 138f. The guide rod 147 can be restricted to move along the first rail 183. That is, when the segment 138 moves, the guide rod 147 can move only along a predetermined path set by the first rail 183, and thus the motion of the segment 138 can also be restricted to move along the first rail 183.

[0105] Figure 15 A slidable device of a display device according to another embodiment and a second rail are shown in a state before the display device is expanded.

[0106] Referring to Figure 15 , the housing of the display device 103 according to the embodiment includes a second rail 184 corresponding to the guide protrusion 142p. In such an embodiment, as shown in Figure 15 , the guide rod 147 and the first rail 183 corresponding to the guide rod 147 shown in Figure 12 may be omitted.

[0107] The second rail 184 can extend along a path along which the hinge portion 141 slides. The guide protrusion 142p can be restricted to move along the second rail 184. That is, when the hinge portion 141 moves, the guide protrusion 142p can move only along a predetermined path having the second rail 184, and thus the motion of the hinge portion 141 can also be restricted to move along the second rail 184.

[0108] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a slidable device applied to a display device according to another embodiment.

[0109] Referring to Figure 16In the slidable device 114 according to the embodiment, the second support portion 136 of the support plate 130 includes a plurality of hinge portions 141'. Each of the plurality of hinge portions 141' can include a pair of joint edges 139 in which a pair of split segments 138 are joined adjacent to each other. Each of the plurality of hinge portions 141' can be covered by a hinge cap 142' extending in a first direction (x-axis direction in the drawing).

[0110] The hinge cap 142' can be joined to the segment 138 by inserting a fastening rod 142'r into a fastening groove 139r of the joint edge 139. In another embodiment, the fastening rod 142'r can not protrude from the joint edge 139 in the first direction even after the hinge cap 142' is joined to the joint edge 139. In such an embodiment, a guide protrusion protruding from the fastening rod 142'r can not be formed.

[0111] In an embodiment, a pair of rail rods 144 can be disposed between the pair of hinge portions 141', and the second support portion 136 between the pair of rail rods 144 can include a curved region 138f that can be folded and unfolded. In another embodiment, a guide rod can not be disposed in the curved region 138f.

[0112] Accordingly, when the slidable device 114 according to the embodiment is accommodated in the internal space of the housing and is driven, the slidable device 114 can slide without a guide rail. In such an embodiment, other configurations of the slidable device 114 can be substantially the same as those described above with reference to the embodiment described above. Figures 6 to 8

[0113] The display device according to the embodiment can be applied to various electronic devices. The electronic device according to the embodiment can include the display device and can further include a module or a device having an additional function other than the display device.

[0114] Figure 17 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment. Referring to Figure 17 , the electronic device 10 according to the embodiment can include a display module 11, a processor 12, a memory 13, and a power module 14.

[0115] ​The processor 12 can include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a communication processor (CP), an image signal processor (ISP), and a controller. In an embodiment, the processor 12 can be divided into two or more parts from a functional or structural standpoint. For example, the processor 12 can include a main processor and a sub processor, where the main processor is in the form of a first driving chip including a central processing unit, and the sub processor is in the form of a second driving chip including a controller that receives image signals from the main processor and processes the image signals to match an interface specification of the display module 11.

[0116] The memory 13 can include at least one of a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The memory 13 can store data information required for the operation of the processor 12 or the display module 11. When the processor 12 executes an application stored in the memory 13, a video data signal and / or an input control signal are transmitted to the display module 11, and the display module 11 can process the received signal to output video information through a display screen.

[0117] The power module 14 can include a power supply module such as a power adapter or a battery device, and a power conversion module that converts power supplied by the power supply module to generate power required for the operation of the electronic device 10. The power conversion by the power conversion module can include, but is not limited to, DC-DC conversion, AC-DC conversion, and DC-AC conversion.

[0118] According to the above-described embodiments, at least one of the components of the electronic device 10 can be included in a display device. In addition, some of the individual modules functionally included in a single module can be incorporated in the display device, and other modules can be disposed separately from the display device. For example, the display device can include the display module 11 and the sub processor of the processor 12, and the main processor of the processor 12, the memory 13, and the power module 14 can be disposed within the electronic device 10 in the form of other devices than the display device. In another example, the power module 14 can be disposed within the display device, and power is supplied to the processor 12 and the memory 13 disposed in the electronic device 10 that is not the display device, and is not limited to the above examples.

[0119] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments is illustrated.

[0120] Reference Figure 18According to embodiments, various electronic devices having display devices can not only include image display electronic devices such as a smartphone 10_1a, a tablet PC 10_1b, a laptop computer 10_1c, a TV 10_1d, and a desktop monitor 10_1e, but also include wearable electronic devices incorporating display modules such as smart glasses 10_2a, a head-mounted display 10_2b, and a smart watch 10_2c, and automotive electronic devices 10_3 incorporating display modules such as those placed on a vehicle dashboard, a center fascia, an instrument panel, a CID (Central Information Display), an interior mirror display, etc.

[0121] Figure 18 The electronic device can include the configuration shown in Figure 17 For example, the smartphone 10_1a can include the display module 11, the processor 12, the memory 13, and the power module 14 shown in Figure 17 The smartphone 10_1a can further include a communication module and a battery device. Power provided from the battery device can be converted by the power module 14 and provided to the processor 12, the memory 13, and the display module 11. In an embodiment, a display device applied to the smartphone 10_1a can include the display module 11, and can further include the power module 14. The processor 12 and the memory 13 can be provided in the form of a chip mounted on an external device such as a mother board, but are not limited thereto.

[0122] The present application should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

[0123] While the present application has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display panel, defining screen, wherein the display panel includes a first screen portion and a second screen portion that are different from each other; A support plate includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other, wherein the display panel is attached to the first side, and the support plate includes a first support portion corresponding to the first screen portion and a second support portion corresponding to the second screen portion; A hinge portion is disposed in the second support portion, wherein the hinge portion allows the second support portion to be folded or unfolded; A hinge cap, protruding from the second side, simultaneously covers the hinge portion; and The drive roller includes gear teeth that protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the drive roller to interlock with the hinge cap.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge portion includes a pair of engaging edges, and a pair of separate segments of the second support portion are rotatably engaged with the pair of engaging edges, respectively. The hinge cap defines a space therein for accommodating the pair of engaging edges.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The pair of mating edges have a rotating gear meshing structure.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the pair of mating edges includes a fastening groove extending in a first direction, and The hinge cap includes a fastening rod that extends in the first direction and engages in the fastening groove.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge cap includes a top surface facing the outer peripheral surface when it encounters the drive roller and a pair of side surfaces facing the gear teeth, and The pair of side surfaces extend from the top surface in directions that are far apart from each other.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge portion includes a pair of hinge portions adjacent to each other, and The display device also includes a pair of rails that protrude from the second side between the pair of hinge portions and extend in the second support portion in a first direction.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge portion includes a pair of hinge portions adjacent to each other, and The second support portion includes a bending region that is foldable and unfoldable and is disposed between the pair of hinge portions.

8. The display device according to claim 7, further comprising: The guide rod extends in the second side in the first direction within the curved region.

9. A display device, comprising: Display panel, defining screen, wherein the display panel includes a first screen portion and a second screen portion that are different from each other; A housing defining an internal space therein for receiving the display panel, wherein an opening is defined in the housing through which the screen is exposed, and the housing is configured to either shrink to expose a portion of the first screen or expand to expose both the first screen portion and the second screen portion; A support plate, at least partially housed in the internal space of the housing, wherein the support plate includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the display panel is attached to the first side, and the support plate includes a first support portion corresponding to the first screen portion and a second support portion corresponding to the second screen portion; A hinge portion is disposed in the second support portion, wherein the hinge portion allows the second support portion to be folded or unfolded; A hinge cap, protruding from the second side, simultaneously covers the hinge portion; and A drive roller, housed in the internal space of the housing, wherein the drive roller includes gear teeth protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the drive roller to interlock with the hinge cap.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, The hinge portion includes a pair of hinge portions adjacent to each other, and The second support portion includes a bending region that is foldable and unfoldable and is disposed between the pair of hinge portions.

11. The display device according to claim 10, further comprising: The guide rod extends in the second side in the first direction within the curved region.

12. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, The hinge portion includes a pair of engaging edges, and a pair of separate segments of the second support portion are rotatably engaged with the pair of engaging edges, respectively. The hinge cap defines a space therein for accommodating the pair of engaging edges.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, Each of the pair of mating edges includes a fastening groove extending in a first direction, and The hinge cap includes a fastening rod that extends in the first direction and engages in the fastening groove.

14. A sliding device, comprising: A support plate includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other, wherein the support plate includes a first support portion and a second support portion that are different from each other; A hinge portion is disposed in the second support portion, wherein the hinge portion allows the second support portion to be folded or unfolded; A hinge cap, protruding from the second side, simultaneously covers the hinge portion; and The drive roller includes gear teeth that protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the drive roller to interlock with the hinge cap.

15. The sliding device according to claim 14, wherein, The hinge portion includes a pair of hinge portions adjacent to each other, and The sliding device also includes a pair of rails that project from the second side between the pair of hinge portions and extend in the second support portion in the first direction.

16. The sliding device according to claim 15, wherein, The second support portion includes a curved region that can be folded and unfolded and is disposed between the pair of rails.

17. The sliding device according to claim 14, wherein, The hinge portion includes a pair of engaging edges, and a pair of separate segments of the second support portion are rotatably engaged with the pair of engaging edges, respectively. The hinge cap defines a space therein for accommodating the pair of engaging edges.

18. The sliding device according to claim 17, wherein, The pair of mating edges have a rotating gear meshing structure.

19. The sliding device according to claim 17, wherein, Each of the pair of mating edges includes a fastening groove extending in a first direction, and The hinge cap includes a fastening rod that extends in the first direction and engages in the fastening groove.

20. The sliding device according to claim 14, wherein, The hinge cap includes a top surface facing the outer peripheral surface when it encounters the drive roller and a pair of side surfaces facing the gear teeth, and The pair of side surfaces extend from the top surface in directions that are far apart from each other.

Images