Flexible display device

Abstract

A flexible display apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a display panel, a link member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel and having a plurality of coupling grooves on one surface thereof, a cover having a plurality of coupling protrusions respectively inserted into the coupling grooves, and a driving unit connected to at least one of the link member and the cover to wind or unwind the cover to rise or fall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to flexible display devices. Background Technology

[0002] With the recent development of the smart society and the development of various portable electronic devices (such as mobile communication terminals and laptop computers), display devices, as a medium for transmitting visual information, have become increasingly important.

[0003] Recently, flexible display devices, made of flexible materials such as plastics rather than traditional non-flexible materials such as glass substrates, which can be bent like paper without degrading display performance, have rapidly gained attention as the next generation of display devices.

[0004] Flexible display devices can utilize thin-film transistor substrates made of plastic instead of glass, and can be categorized into highly durable, durable, flexible, rollable, and foldable displays. These flexible display devices offer advantages in space utilization, aesthetics, and design, and can be applied to a wide range of applications, thus attracting attention as next-generation display devices.

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

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure can provide a flexible display device that can prevent patterns formed due to gaps between connecting rods from being recognized on a display panel by forming inclined surfaces on the outer surfaces of the connecting rods to reduce or minimize gaps between the connecting rods.

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a flexible display device that has enhanced rigidity by forming an inclined surface on the outer surface of the connecting rod to reduce or minimize the gap between the connecting rods.

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a flexible display device that has enhanced durability by blocking moisture or foreign matter from flowing into the gap between the connecting rods by shielding one surface of the connecting rod.

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a flexible display device that can be easily rolled up or unfolded through the engagement between the connecting groove of the connecting member and the connecting protrusion of the set cover.

[0010] The embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those set forth herein, and other aspects not mentioned herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0011] To achieve these and other aspects of the inventive concept, as implemented and broadly described herein, a flexible display device may include: a display panel; a linking member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel and having a plurality of connecting grooves on one of its surfaces; a cover having a plurality of connecting protrusions respectively inserted into the connecting grooves; and a drive unit connected to at least one of the linking member and the cover to raise or lower the cover by winding or unfolding it.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a flexible display device is provided, comprising: a display panel; a linking member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel and including a support plate and a plurality of connecting rods, the plurality of connecting rods being disposed on a surface of the support plate and spaced apart in a vertical direction, and the linking member having a plurality of connecting grooves formed in the plurality of connecting rods respectively; a cover having a plurality of connecting protrusions respectively engaging with the connecting grooves; and a drive unit connected to at least one of the linking member and the cover to raise or lower by winding or unfolding the cover.

[0013] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a flexible display device can be provided that can prevent patterns formed due to gaps between connecting rods from being recognized on a display panel by forming inclined surfaces on the outer surfaces of connecting rods to reduce or minimize gaps between connecting rods.

[0014] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a flexible display device can be provided that has enhanced rigidity by forming an inclined surface on the outer surface of the connecting rod to reduce or minimize the gap between the connecting rods.

[0015] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a flexible display device can be provided that has enhanced durability by blocking moisture or foreign matter from flowing into the gap between the connecting rods by shielding one surface of the connecting rod.

[0016] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a low-power display device can be provided that uses OLED as the light-emitting element.

[0017] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

[0018] It should be understood that both the above general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed inventive concept. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings may be included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and may be incorporated into and constitute a part of the present disclosure. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the various principles of the present disclosure.

[0020] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a side view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a flexible display device according to the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 This is an example driver such as Figure 1 A side view of an example of a flexible display device shown;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a side view illustrating a link member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a side view illustrating the state in which the connecting member is connected to the cover according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a front view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a flexible display device according to the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a rear view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the flexible display device according to the present disclosure; and

[0027] Figure 7 This is an example Figure 6 A three-dimensional diagram of an example of a link component.

[0028] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals should be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustrative purposes, and convenience, the relative dimensions and depictions of these elements may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples or embodiments that may be implemented by way of example. Even when shown in different drawings, the same reference numerals and designations may be used to designate the same or similar components. Furthermore, in the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and components incorporated herein will be omitted where it is determined that a description of such well-known functions and components might obscure the subject matter of some embodiments of this disclosure. Unless used with the term “only,” terms such as “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “constituting,” “made of,” and “formed by” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of other components. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The names of the corresponding elements used in the following explanation may be chosen solely for convenience of writing the specification and may therefore differ from the names used in actual products.

[0030] The advantages and features of this disclosure, and methods of implementing them, will be illustrated by the following exemplary embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided to make this disclosure sufficiently comprehensive and complete to assist those skilled in the art in fully understanding its scope. Furthermore, this disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0031] The shapes, dimensions, scales, angles, quantities, etc., used to describe various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure in the accompanying drawings are given by way of example only. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the illustrations in the drawings. Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0032] When describing positional relationships, such as using terms like "on," "above," "below," "above," "under," "below," "near," "close to," "adjacent to," "beside," or "next to" to describe the positional relationship between two components, one or more other components may be placed between the two components unless more restrictive terms such as "immediately," "directly," or "closely" are used. For example, when a structure is described as being "above," "below," "on top," "below," "below," "near," "close to," "adjacent to," "beside," or "next to" another structure, this description should be interpreted to include situations where these structures are in contact with each other and situations where a third structure is placed or inserted between them. Furthermore, the terms "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "down," "up," "upper," "lower," etc., refer to any frame of reference.

[0033] The term “at least one” should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. For example, “at least one of the first element, the second element and the third element” means all combinations of the three listed elements, any combination of any two of the three elements, and each individual element, the first element, the second element or the third element.

[0034] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(A),” or “(B)” may be used herein to describe elements of this disclosure. Each of these terms is not used to define the nature, order, sequence, or number of elements, but merely to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0035] When referring to the first element as "connected to or linked to," "in contact with," or "overlapping" with the second element, it should be understood that not only can the first element be "directly connected to or linked to" or "directly in contact with or overlap" the second element, but a third element can also be "inserted" between the first and second elements, or the first and second elements can be "connected to or linked to," "in contact with," or "overlapping" with each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element can be included in at least one of two or more elements that are "connected to or linked to," "in contact with," or "overlap" with each other.

[0036] When time-related terms such as “after,” “follow,” “next,” “before,” etc., are used to describe the process or operation of an element or structure, or the flow or steps in an operation, processing, or manufacturing method, these terms may be used to describe discontinuous or non-sequential processes or operations unless used with the terms “directly” or “immediately.”

[0037] Furthermore, when referring to any size, relative dimensions, etc., it should be considered that, even without a specified description, the numerical values ​​of components or features, or corresponding information (e.g., levels, ranges, etc.), include tolerances or error ranges that may be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external shocks, noise, etc.). In addition, the term "can" fully encompasses all the meanings of the term "able to".

[0038] Features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be linked or combined with each other in part or in whole, and may be technically driven and interoperable with each other in various ways, as will be fully understood by those skilled in the art. Embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented independently of each other, or may be implemented together in an interdependent relationship.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments pertain. It will also be understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent, for example, with their meaning in the context of the relevant field, and shall not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined herein. For example, the terms “component” or “unit” may be applied, for example, to a single circuit or structure, an integrated circuit, a computational block of a circuit arrangement, or any structure configured to perform the described functions as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, all components of each display device according to all embodiments of the present disclosure are operatively connected and configured. For ease of description, the scale of each element illustrated in the drawings differs from the actual scale; therefore, the scope is not limited to the scales shown in the drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a side view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a flexible display device according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an example driver such as Figure 1 A side view of an example of a flexible display device shown.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The flexible display device 100 may include a display panel 110, a connecting member 120, a cover 130, and a driving unit 140.

[0043] In the following description, in embodiments of this disclosure, for ease of description, the linking member 120 and the cover 130 are described as being located on the rear surface of the display panel 110, assuming that the display surface for implementing the image on the display panel 110 faces forward. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, if the display surface of the display panel 110 faces rearward, the linking member 120 and the cover 130 may be disposed on the front surface of the display panel 110.

[0044] The display panel 110 is a panel in which an image is displayed, and can be repeatedly rolled up and unrolled by the drive unit 140, and can display an image in the unrolled state. For example, the lower part of the display panel 110 can be connected to the drive unit 140 disposed in the housing 150, and the display panel 110 can be configured to roll up or unroll up to rise or fall according to the rotation direction of the drive unit 140.

[0045] When the display panel 110 is lowered, a portion of the display panel 110 can be housed in the housing 150, and when the display panel 110 is raised, the portion housed in the housing 150 opens to expose the outside of the housing 150, allowing the image reproduced from the display panel 110 to be viewed. In this case, even if the display panel 110 is completely rolled around the drive unit 140, its upper part can be exposed to the outside.

[0046] On the display panel 110, light-emitting elements for realizing images, circuits, lines, and components for driving the light-emitting elements can be disposed. For example, the display panel 110 may include one selected from liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, field emission display (FED) devices, electroluminescent display (ELD) devices, and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) devices. In the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, an OLED capable of maintaining display performance even when bent like paper is used only by way of example, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, inorganic light-emitting diode display devices formed of micro-LEDs may also be used in this disclosure.

[0047] OLEDs, as representative components for flexible display devices, are self-emissive devices. Because OLEDs do not require backlighting (which is a non-emissive element) as used in liquid crystal displays, they can be lighter and thinner. Furthermore, OLEDs offer superior viewing angles compared to liquid crystal displays, have advantages in power consumption (capable of low-voltage DC driving), and advantageously possess a wide temperature range. In particular, their simpler manufacturing process reduces production costs compared to liquid crystal displays.

[0048] The connecting member 120 supports the rear surface of the display panel 110 and can be secured to the rear surface of the display panel 110 with double-sided tape. Multiple connecting grooves 120a can be formed on one surface of the connecting member 120, for example, the surface of the connecting member 120 opposite to its other surface facing the display panel 110. For example, the connecting grooves 120a can extend horizontally on the rear surface of the connecting member 120, and multiple connecting grooves spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction can exist. Here, the horizontal direction refers to the X-axis direction in the figure, and the vertical direction refers to the Z-axis direction in the figure.

[0049] The cover 130 may have a plurality of connecting protrusions 131 that are respectively inserted into the connecting grooves 120a. For example, the connecting protrusions 131 may extend horizontally in front of the cover 130 and may be provided with a plurality of connecting protrusions spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Due to this structure, the connecting member 120 and the cover 130 are connected to each other for overall movement.

[0050] The cover 130 can be formed to be deformable and can be rolled up and unfolded together with the display panel 110. For example, the cover 130 can be formed of a plastic or metal material that can elastically deform and recover, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0051] The drive unit 140 may be connected to at least one of the link member 120 and the cover 130, and may be rolled up or unrolled to raise or lower the display panel 110. For example, the drive unit 140 may include a roll-up unit 141 and a guide unit 142.

[0052] The curling unit 141 can transmit power from the drive unit 140 to the display panel 110, and may include a motor 141a and a roller 141b.

[0053] The motor 141a can be located inside or outside the housing 150, and can be configured to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0054] The roller 141b can be connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 141a and to the lower part of the cover 130 or the display panel 110. For example, a pair of rollers 141b can be formed and can be respectively disposed on one side and the other side of the housing 150, and can be connected by a bridging member 143. The roller 141b can be formed in a cylindrical shape and can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by the motor 141a. Therefore, when the motor 141a rotates counterclockwise, the display panel 110 can be wound around the roller 141b, and when the motor 141a rotates clockwise, the display panel 110 can be unfolded from the roller 141b.

[0055] The guide unit 142 can move the display panel 110 and the cover 130 in the vertical direction to change the external exposed area of ​​the display panel 110 and the cover 130. One end of the guide unit 142 can be connected to the cover 130, and the other end can be connected to the housing 150.

[0056] The guide unit 142 may include a first bracket 142a, a second bracket 142b, and a lifting part 142c.

[0057] The first bracket 142a can be attached to the upper part of the cover 130. For example, the first bracket 142a can be disposed on the upper side of the rear surface of the cover 130 and can be formed into a rod shape that extends in the width direction (e.g., the horizontal direction or the X-axis direction) of the display panel 110.

[0058] The second bracket 142b can be configured to be spaced downward from the first bracket 142a and can be connected to the housing 150. For example, the lower surface of the second bracket 142b can be connected to the upper part of the housing 150, and hollow portions for inserting and withdrawing the lifting part 142c can be formed on two opposite sides of the second bracket 142b.

[0059] One end of the lifting part 142c can be connected to the first bracket 142a, and the other end of the lifting part 142c can be connected to the hollow portion of the second bracket 142b to move in the vertical direction. For example, the lifting part 142c can be configured as a piston that can move in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the motor 141a rotates counterclockwise to wind the display panel 110 around the roller 141b, the lifting part 142c can descend and insert into the second bracket 142b, and when the motor 141a rotates clockwise to unfold the display panel 110 from the roller 141b, the lifting part 142c can rise and be pulled out from the second bracket 142b. For example, the lifting part 142c can move synchronously with the vertical movement of the display panel 110 or the cover 130.

[0060] In other words, when motor 141a rotates counterclockwise, display panel 110 can be wound around roller 141b, and when motor 141a rotates clockwise, display panel 110 can be unwound from roller 141b. It should be noted that although in Figures 1 to 2 The specific structure of the drive unit 140 is shown by way of example, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various other structures of the drive unit 140 may be used similarly when needed.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a side view illustrating a link member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a side view illustrating the connection state of the link member and the cover according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Reference Figures 3 to 4 The linking member 120 may include a support plate 121 and a connecting rod 122, and may be bent at a predetermined curvature.

[0063] The support plate 121 is an element or assembly that secures the plurality of connecting rods 122 and is formed to be deformable so as to be wound and unfolded together with the cover 130. For example, the support plate 121 may be double-sided tape for connecting the display panel and the connecting member 120. In addition, the support plate 121 may be formed of a plastic or metal material that is capable of elastic deformation and recovery, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0064] The number of connecting rods 122 can be equal to or correspond to the number of connecting protrusions 131 formed on the cover 130, and the connecting rods can be formed in the shape of rectangular rods extending in the X-axis direction. For example, connecting rods 122 can have connecting grooves 120a formed on the surface facing the connecting protrusions 131. Therefore, the connecting grooves 120a and the connecting protrusions 131 engage like saw teeth, allowing the connecting member 120 and the cover 130 to move together in the circumferential direction.

[0065] The inner corner portion of the connecting rod 122 with the connecting groove 120a can be formed into a rounded shape. Therefore, when the connecting protrusion 131 engages in the connecting groove 120a and moves in the circumferential direction, interference between the corner of the connecting protrusion 131 and the connecting rod 122 can be prevented or reduced, thereby driving the connecting member 120 and the sleeve 130 more flexibly.

[0066] The connecting rod 122 can extend horizontally, and a plurality of connecting rods 122 can be provided on one surface of the support plate 121, spaced apart vertically. Therefore, a gap 122b can be formed between adjacent connecting rods 122, and the connecting rods 122 can deform between the gaps 122b when the connecting member 120 is wound around the roller 141b. In other words, to prevent or reduce interference between the ends of the connecting rods 122 when they are wound around the roller 141b, a gap 122b of a predetermined size can be formed between the connecting rods 122.

[0067] On the other hand, as the gap 122b between the connecting rods 122 increases, the stiffness of the connecting member 120 may decrease, and the supporting force of the support sleeve 130 may decrease, which would cause the pattern formed by the gap 122b to be recognized on the display panel 110. Therefore, it is important to reduce or minimize the gap 122b between the connecting rods 122 while avoiding interference between adjacent connecting rods 122 when they are wound onto the roller 141b.

[0068] In this disclosure, to reduce or minimize the gap 122b between the connecting rods 122, the connecting rods 122 can be formed with inclined surfaces 122a, wherein the width of their adjacent outer surfaces gradually decreases toward the cover 130. For example, the inclined surfaces 122a can be formed with an inclination of 5 to 15 degrees, specifically, with an inclination of 7.5 to 12.5 degrees, and more specifically, with an inclination of 10 degrees. Thus, with the formation of the inclined surfaces 122a of the connecting rods 122, the interval length (e.g., interval distance or interval segment) d1 between the connecting rods 122 can gradually increase toward the cover 130. Therefore, when the connecting members 120 bend with the same curvature, the interference between the ends of the connecting rods 122 with the inclined surfaces 122a can be delayed compared to the connecting rods without the inclined surfaces 122a, so that the gap 122b between the connecting rods 122 can be reduced by the increased interval length d1.

[0069] The inclined surface 122a can be formed into an outwardly convex arc shape. When the inclined surface 122a is formed into an arc shape, the interval length d1 between the ends of the connecting rods 122 can be increased, and therefore the gap 122b between the connecting rods 122 can be reduced or minimized. Therefore, the rigidity of the connecting member 120 can be enhanced, while preventing the pattern formed by the gap 122b between the connecting rods 122 from being visually identifiable on the display panel 110.

[0070] Figure 5 This is a front view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a flexible display device according to the present disclosure.

[0071] Reference Figure 5 The display panel 110 may include a display area AA in which an image is displayed and a non-display area NA in which no image is displayed. The non-display area NA may be an area outside the display area AA or an area adjacent to the display area AA, and may also be referred to as a border area.

[0072] One side of the display panel 110 can be connected to the printed circuit board 20 via a flexible film 10.

[0073] The flexible film 10 can be electrically connected to the display panel 110 to provide signals to multiple sub-pixels and circuits disposed in the display area AA. For example, the flexible film 10 can be disposed on the side of the non-display area NA and can be formed of a flexible material to be rolled around or unrolled from the roller 141b. The number of flexible films 10 is not limited to the example and can be varied according to the design.

[0074] The flexible film 10 may include data for displaying images and a driver IC for processing the data. For example, the driver IC may be configured in a chip-on-glass (COG), chip-on-film (COF), tape-on-coat (TCP), or other similar schemes, depending on its mounting method.

[0075] The printed circuit board 20 provides signals to the driver IC and can be disposed at one end of the flexible film 10 and connected to the flexible film 10. For example, the printed circuit board 20 can provide various signals such as drive signals and data signals to the driver IC. In this embodiment, only one printed circuit board 20 is shown, but this embodiment is not limited to this and various changes can be made according to the design.

[0076] The connecting member 120 may include a first support member 122a1 disposed on the connecting rod 122 and a second support member 122a2 disposed below the connecting rod 122. For example, the first support member 122a1 and the second support member 122a2 together with the connecting rod 122 may be fixed to the support plate 121.

[0077] The first support member 122a1 may be disposed on the upper part of the rear surface of the display panel 110 to support and protect the upper part of the display panel 110. For example, the first support member 122a1 may be connected to the first bracket 142a and may be exposed to the outside even when the display panel 110 is fully rolled up.

[0078] The second support member 122a2 can be disposed below the rear surface of the display panel 110 to support and protect the lower part of the display panel 110. For example, the second support member 122a2 can be spaced apart from the first support member 122a1 in the downward direction and connected to the roller 141b, and can be kept from being exposed to the outside even when the display panel 110 is fully unfolded, since it is located in the housing 150.

[0079] Figure 6 This is a rear view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a flexible display device according to the present disclosure, and Figure 7 This is an example Figure 6 A perspective view of the connecting components. In this embodiment, the description focuses primarily on the differences from the embodiments described above.

[0080] Reference Figures 6 to 7The surface of the connecting rod 122 of the flexible display device 200 facing the display panel 110 can be shielded to enhance resistance to moisture penetration. For example, the connecting rod 122 includes a protrusion 22a protruding toward an adjacent connecting rod 122 and a slit 22b formed on the side opposite to the protrusion 22a. The protrusion 22a on one connecting rod 122 can be inserted into the slit 22b on an adjacent connecting rod 122 to shield the surface facing the display panel 110. Specifically, the protrusion 22a can protrude in the Z-axis direction, and the length of the protrusion 22a can be equal to or greater than the length d1 of the space between adjacent connecting rods 122.

[0081] Because the surface facing the display panel 110 is shielded by the protrusions 22a and slits 22b, the inflow of moisture or foreign matter into the gap 122b between the connecting rods 122 can be reduced, thereby enhancing the durability of the flexible display device. Furthermore, the protrusions 22a and slits 22b can guide the assembly position of the connecting rods 122, which can improve assembly efficiency.

[0082] The display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be described as follows.

[0083] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a flexible display device may be provided, comprising: a display panel; a linking member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel and having a plurality of connecting grooves on one of its surfaces; a cover having a plurality of connecting protrusions respectively inserted into the connecting grooves; and a drive unit connected to at least one of the linking member and the cover to raise or lower by winding or unfolding the cover.

[0084] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the linking member may include a support plate and a plurality of connecting rods, the connecting rods extending in a horizontal direction, being spaced apart in a vertical direction on one surface of the support plate, and having connecting grooves on the surface facing the connecting protrusion.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting rod can be formed as an inclined surface having an outer surface whose width gradually decreases toward the position of the cover.

[0086] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the inclined surface can be formed as an arcuate shape that convexes in an outward direction.

[0087] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the inclined surface may have an inclination of 5 to 15 degrees.

[0088] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the connecting rod may include a protrusion projecting toward an adjacent connecting rod and a slit formed in a side portion opposite to the protrusion. A protrusion on one connecting rod can be inserted into a slit in an adjacent connecting rod.

[0089] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the length of the protrusion may be equal to or greater than the length of the space between the connecting rods.

[0090] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the surface of the connecting rod facing the display panel can be shielded.

[0091] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the inner corner portion of the connecting rod having a connecting groove can be formed into a rounded shape.

[0092] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the connecting member can be fixed to the rear surface of the display panel using double-sided tape.

[0093] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the display panel may be a flexible display panel that is rolled or unfolded together with a cover.

[0094] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a flexible display device may be provided, comprising: a display panel; a linking member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel and including a support plate and a plurality of connecting rods, the plurality of connecting rods being disposed on a surface of the support plate and spaced apart in a vertical direction, and the linking member having a plurality of connecting grooves respectively formed in the plurality of connecting rods; a cover having a plurality of connecting protrusions respectively engaging with the connecting grooves; and a drive unit connected to at least one of the linking member and the cover to raise or lower by winding or unfolding the cover.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting rod can be formed as an inclined surface having a distance between two adjacent connecting rods that gradually increases toward the position of the sleeve cover.

[0096] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the inclined surface can be formed as an arcuate shape that convexes in an outward direction.

[0097] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the surface of the connecting rod facing the display panel can be shielded.

[0098] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the connecting rod may include a protrusion projecting toward an adjacent connecting rod and a slit formed in a side portion opposite to the protrusion. A protrusion on one connecting rod can be inserted into a slit on an adjacent connecting rod.

[0099] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the length of the protrusion may be equal to or greater than the length of the space between the connecting rods.

[0100] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the inner corner portion of the connecting rod having a connecting groove can be formed into a rounded shape.

[0101] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a flexible display device may be provided, comprising: a display panel; a linking member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel and including a plurality of connecting rods extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction different from the first direction; and a cover connected to the linking member, wherein each of the plurality of connecting rods has an inclined surface such that the distance between two adjacent connecting rods gradually increases toward the cover.

[0102] The above description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the technical concepts of this disclosure, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The above description and accompanying drawings are provided as examples of the technical concepts of this disclosure for illustrative purposes only. In other words, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical concepts of this disclosure.

[0103] Cross-reference to related applications

[0104] This application claims the benefit and priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0181324, filed in Korea on December 9, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. A flexible display device, the flexible display device comprising: Display panel; A connecting member is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel and has a plurality of connecting grooves on one surface of the connecting member; A cover having a plurality of connecting protrusions that are respectively inserted into the connecting groove; as well as A drive unit connected to at least one of the linking member and the cover to raise or lower the cover by winding or unwinding it.

2. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein, The linking component includes: Support plate; and A plurality of connecting rods, which extend horizontally, are arranged vertically spaced on one surface of the support plate, and have connecting grooves on the surface facing the connecting protrusion.

3. The flexible display device according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting rod is formed as an inclined surface with the width of its adjacent outer surfaces gradually decreasing toward the position of the cover.

4. The flexible display device according to claim 3, wherein, The inclined surface is formed into an arc shape that bulges outward.

5. The flexible display device according to claim 3, wherein, The inclined surface has an inclination of 5 to 15 degrees.

6. The flexible display device according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting rod includes a protrusion projecting toward an adjacent connecting rod and a slit formed in a side portion opposite to the protrusion, and The protrusion on one of the connecting rods is inserted into the slit in the adjacent connecting rod.

7. The flexible display device according to claim 6, wherein, The length of the protrusion is equal to or greater than the length of the space between the connecting rods.

8. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein, The surface of the connecting rod facing the display panel is shielded.

9. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein, The inner corner portion of the connecting rod with the connecting groove is formed into a rounded shape.

10. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting component is secured to the rear surface of the display panel using double-sided tape.

11. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display panel is a flexible display panel that is rolled or unfolded together with the cover.

12. A flexible display device, the flexible display device comprising: Display panel; A connecting member is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel and includes a support plate and a plurality of connecting rods, the plurality of connecting rods being disposed on a surface of the support plate and spaced apart in a vertical direction, and the connecting member having a plurality of connecting grooves formed in the plurality of connecting rods respectively. A cover having a plurality of connecting protrusions that respectively engage with the connecting groove; as well as A drive unit connected to at least one of the linking member and the cover to raise or lower the cover by winding or unwinding it.

13. The flexible display device according to claim 12, wherein, The connecting rod is formed as an inclined surface with the distance between two adjacent connecting rods gradually increasing toward the position of the cover.

14. The flexible display device according to claim 13, wherein, The inclined surface is formed into an arc shape that bulges outward.

15. The flexible display device according to claim 12, wherein, The surface of the connecting rod facing the display panel is shielded.

16. The flexible display device according to claim 12, wherein, The connecting rod includes a protrusion projecting toward an adjacent connecting rod and a slit formed in a side portion opposite to the protrusion, and The protrusion on one of the connecting rods is inserted into the slit in the adjacent connecting rod.

17. The flexible display device according to claim 16, wherein, The length of the protrusion is equal to or greater than the length of the space between the connecting rods.

18. The flexible display device according to claim 12, wherein, The inner corner portion of the connecting rod with the connecting groove is rounded.

19. A flexible display device, the flexible display device comprising: Display panel; A linking member is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel and includes a plurality of connecting rods extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction different from the first direction; as well as A cover, the cover being connected to the connecting member. Each of the plurality of connecting rods has an inclined surface such that the distance between two adjacent connecting rods gradually increases toward the cover.

20. The flexible display device according to claim 19, wherein, The inclined surface is formed into an arc shape that bulges outward.

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