DISPLAY DEVICE

Abstract

Display device comprising the following: a scoreboard (110) which includes a first area (A1), a second area (A2) and a third area (A3) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2); a frame (120) which is attached to a rear surface of the display board (110) in such a way that it overlaps with the first area (A1); a sliding plate (130) arranged such that it overlaps at least partially with the frame (120) and is configured to slide between a first position of a first mode and a second position of a second mode; a sliding structure (140) having one side connected to the frame (120) and another side connected to the sliding plate (130) and containing several roller conveyor segments (141, 241), wherein the roller conveyor segments (141, 241) support the rear surface of the display panel (110) in the third area (A3); and a support guide (150) which is arranged between the frame (120) and the sliding plate (130), wherein Each of the several roller conveyor segments (141, 241) contains a rod (142) extending between the first area (A1) and the third area (A3) parallel to a boundary line, and a ring (143, 243) projecting from a surface of the rod (142) away from the display panel (110) to create a receiving hole (H) into which the support guide (150) can be inserted.

Description

BACKGROUND area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device and, more particularly, to a sliding display device capable of preventing a display module from being lifted off. Description of the related field

[0002] With the advent of the information age, the field of display devices for optically displaying electrical information signals is developing rapidly. Thus, research has continued to develop features such as thinner designs, weight reduction, and low power consumption.

[0003] Representative examples of the display devices include a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, a field emission display (FED) device, an electrowetting display (EWD) device, an organic light emitting display (OLED) device, and the like.

[0004] An electroluminescent emission display device, represented by an OLED device, is a self-emitting display device and, unlike an LCD device, does not require a separate light source. Thus, the electroluminescent emission display device can be manufactured in a lightweight and thin form. Furthermore, the electroluminescent emission display device not only offers advantages in terms of power consumption through low-voltage driving, but also excels in color expressivity, response speed, viewing angle, and contrast ratio (CR). Therefore, the electroluminescent emission display device is expected to be used in various fields.

[0005] US 2019 / 0268455 A1 describes an electronic device with an assembly that allows a visible part of a display to be varied by extending and retracting a flexible part of the display. The extension and retraction of the flexible display is facilitated by a first assembly on which a substantially planar visible part of the display is arranged, and a second assembly that is slidably attached to the first assembly. The first and second assemblies define a space in which a curved part of the display is accommodated. When the first assembly is extended (e.g. opened) with respect to the second assembly, at least part of the curved section of the display is extended so that it is visible, and when the first assembly is closed (e.g.When the display is retracted (retracted), the extended curved portion of the display is retracted into the space between the first assembly and the second assembly and is no longer visible. In one example, a rod may include a guide projection located at a location corresponding to a guide rib. The rod may be sequentially coupled such that the guide projection of the rod is guided by the guide rib and the guide groove of the guide.

[0006] US 2022 / 0078270 A1 describes a mobile terminal comprising: a first frame and a second frame configured to slide with respect to the first frame in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction; a flexible display having a front surface, wherein a region of the front surface of the flexible display is configured to vary depending on a sliding position of the second frame; a rivet rail formed on the second frame and extending longitudinally in the first direction; and a sliding rivet attached to an inner side of the flexible display and configured to move along the rivet rail when the second frame slides.

[0007] US 2022 / 0150337 A1 describes an electronic device comprising: a first housing, a flexible display having a first region disposed on the first housing and a second region extending from the first region and deformable into a curved shape, and a multi-rod structure comprising a plurality of rods and having one end connected to the first housing and deformably supporting the second region.

[0008] US 2022 / 0155823 A1 describes a flexible display device comprising a body, a movable plate, a first roller, a second roller, a drive rail, and a flexible display. The flexible display is coupled to the outer surfaces of the movable plate and the drive rail, and the drive rail, alone or together with the movable plate, forms a continuous rail shape. SUMMARY

[0009] An object to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a display device that is slidable and can prevent lifting and resulting wrinkling of a display module.

[0010] Another object to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a display device that can solve a difference in luminance when a display panel is lifted and / or a reduction in touch sensing performance and an operation error. The reduction in touch sensing performance and the operation error may occur when the display device is touched and the lifted part of the display panel is pressed.

[0011] One or more of these problems are solved by the features of the independent claim.

[0012] Objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned above can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the display device includes a display panel including a first region, a second region, and a third region between the first region and the second region. The display device also includes a frame disposed on a rear surface of the display panel to overlap the first region. The display device further includes a slideable plate disposed to at least partially overlap the frame and configured to slide into a first mode and a second mode. Furthermore, the display device includes a slideable structure having one side connected to a side surface of the frame and including a plurality of scrolling band segments that overlap the third region and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in one direction on the rear surface of the display panel.The display device also includes a support guide disposed between the frame and the sliding plate. Each of the plurality of roller conveyor segments includes a rod extending in a straight line and a ring extending from a surface of the rod and providing a receiving hole to which the support guide is coupled.

[0014] Further details of the exemplary embodiments are contained in the detailed description and the drawings.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a display device includes a sliding structure. Thus, it is possible to provide a sliding display device.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, the display device includes a support guide coupled to the sliding structure. Thus, when the display device is slid, a display panel is not lifted off but can be stably supported.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, the display device prevents the display panel from being lifted off and resulting wrinkling. Thus, it is possible to solve problems such as a reduction in touch sensing performance and an operational error that occur when the display panel is lifted off and the display device is touched.

[0018] According to the present disclosure, the display device may further include a support member disposed below the display panel to support the display panel. The support member may be disposed in a sliding region and may include a plurality of openings, thus stably supporting the display panel while imparting flexibility to the display panel.

[0019] The effects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the contents illustrated above, and a plurality of different effects are included in the present application text. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above-described and other aspects, features and further advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2A is a perspective view illustrating the display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure in a first mode; Fig. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of an area A of Fig. 2A; Fig. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II' of Fig. 2B was taken; Fig. 3A is a perspective view illustrating the display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure in a second mode; Fig. 3B is an enlarged perspective view of an area B of Fig. 3A; Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III' of Fig. 3B was taken; Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a conveyor belt segment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4B is a perspective view of a conveyor belt segment according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VV' of Fig. 2A was taken; Fig. 5B is an enlarged perspective view of an area C of Fig. 5A; and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0021] Advantages and features of the present disclosure, and a method for achieving the advantages and features, will become apparent with reference to exemplary embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but may be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided merely by way of example so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosures of the present disclosure and the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0022] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, and the like illustrated in the accompanying drawings for describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Similar reference numerals generally designate similar elements throughout the application text. Furthermore, in the following description of the present disclosure, detailed explanation of known related arts may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of the present disclosure. The terms such as "including," "comprising," and "consisting of" used herein are generally intended to allow other components to be added, unless the terms are used with the term "merely."Any reference to the singular may include the plural unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0023] Components are interpreted to include a common error range, even if it is not explicitly stated.

[0024] When the positional relationship between two parts is described using terms such as "on", "over", "under", and "next to", one or more parts may be positioned between the two parts, provided the terms are not used with the term "immediate" or "direct".

[0025] When an element or layer is arranged "on" another element or layer, another layer or element may be arranged directly on the other element or between them.

[0026] Although the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from the other components. Therefore, a first component mentioned below may be a second component in a technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0027] Similar reference signs generally designate similar elements throughout the application text.

[0028] A size and a thickness of each component illustrated in the drawing are illustrated for convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to the size and thickness of the component illustrated.

[0029] The features of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or completely concatenated or combined and may interlock and operate in technically diverse ways, and the embodiments may be practiced independently or in conjunction with one another.

[0030] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] With reference to Fig. 1, a display device 100 includes a display panel 110, a frame 120, a sliding plate 130, a rotary shaft 145, a support guide 150, and sliding plate guides 135.

[0033] The display device 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may be a sliding display device that can change the size of a screen of the display panel 110. For example, the display device 100 is formed as a sliding structure and can increase or decrease its screen size.

[0034] The size of the display panel 110 exposed on a front surface of the display device 100 may be defined as the size of the screen.

[0035] The display panel 110 is configured to display an image to a user and may be flexible. For example, the display panel 110 may be made of a flexible material that can be bent or folded.

[0036] The display panel 110 may include a display element for displaying an image, a drive element for driving the display element, a line for transmitting various signals to the display element and the drive element, and the like. The display element may be defined in various ways depending on the type of the display panel 110. For example, if the display panel 110 is an organic light-emitting display panel, the display element may be an organic light-emitting diode including an anode, an emission layer, and a cathode. For example, if the display panel 110 is a liquid crystal display panel, the display element may be a liquid crystal display element.

[0037] In the following, although the display panel 110 is described as an organic light-emitting display panel as an example, the display panel 110 is not limited to the organic light-emitting display panel.

[0038] The display panel 110 may include a front surface and a rear surface that are opposite to each other, and may be divided into at least a first region A1, a second region A2, and a third region A3 between the first region A1 and the second region A2. In other words, the display panel 110 may include a first region A1, a second region A2, and a third region A3 between the first region A1 and the second region A2.

[0039] At least a portion of the display panel 110 may be curved in a certain area.

[0040] The first area A1 is an area where an image is displayed in the display panel 110. The first area A1 may be attached to the front surface of the display device 100.

[0041] In the first region A1, a plurality of sub-pixels constituting a plurality of pixels and a circuit for driving the plurality of sub-pixels may be arranged. The plurality of sub-pixels represent minimal units of the first region A1, and a display element may be arranged in each of the plurality of sub-pixels. Furthermore, the plurality of sub-pixels may constitute one pixel. For example, an organic light-emitting diode including an anode, an emission layer, and a cathode may be arranged in each of the plurality of sub-pixels, but is not limited thereto. Further, the circuit for driving the plurality of sub-pixels may include a drive element, a wiring, and the like. For example, the circuit may be formed of a thin-film transistor, a storage capacitor, a gate wiring, a data wiring, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] The second area A2 is an area where no image is displayed, for example, the second area A2 can be a non-display area.

[0043] The second region A2 may be fixed to a rear surface of the sliding plate 130, which will be described later. For example, the second region A2 may be fixed to a rear surface of a second sliding plate 132 of the sliding plate 130, which faces away from a first sliding plate 131. The second region A2 of the display panel 110, which is fixed to the rear surface of the sliding plate 130, does not need to be exposed to the front surface of the display device 100, even when the sliding plate 130 is slid into a first mode or a second mode.

[0044] The third area A3 is an area in which an image can be displayed in the display panel 110.

[0045] A plurality of sub-pixels forming a plurality of pixels and a circuit for driving the plurality of sub-pixels may be arranged in the third region A3 as in the first region A1.

[0046] The third area A3 may be an area where the display panel 110 is flexible. The third area A3 may be an area where at least a portion of the display panel 110 is bent. When the display device is switched to the first mode or the second mode, the size of the third area A3 exposed to the front surface of the display device 100 may be changed. For example, a portion of the third area A3 may be bent, and the size of the exposed third area A3 may be changed depending on a bending position. The bending position of the third area A3, that is, the bending position of the display panel 110 in the third area A3, may be changed when the sliding plate 130 is slid. Details thereof will be described later.

[0047] The display device 100 may further include various additional components for generating various signals or driving pixels arranged in the first region A1 or the third region A3. The additional components for driving the pixels may include an inverter circuit, a multiplexer, an electrostatic discharge (ESD) circuit, etc. The display device 100 may also include additional components associated with functionalities other than driving the pixels. For example, the display device 100 may further include additional components for providing touch sensing functionality, user authentication functionality (e.g., fingerprint scanning), multi-level pressure sensing functionality, haptic feedback functionality, etc.The additional components described above may be arranged in the second region A2 and / or an external circuit connected to a connection interface.

[0048] The frame 120 is arranged on a rear surface of the display panel 110. Specifically, the frame 120 may be arranged to overlap the first region A1 of the display panel 110 and may support the first region A1.

[0049] The frame 120 can fix one side of the display panel 110. For example, one side of the first area A1 of the display panel 110 can be fixed to the frame 120. For example, even when the display device 100 is slid, the first area A1 can always be fixed to the front surface of the display device 100.

[0050] The sliding plate 130 may be arranged on a rear surface of the frame 120 such that it at least partially overlaps the frame 120. The sliding plate 130 may be slidable in one direction. For example, the sliding plate 130 is configured to be slid to switch the display device 100 to the first mode or the second mode. The sliding plate 130 may slide relative to the frame 120.

[0051] The sliding plate 130 may be formed of a first sliding plate 131 disposed on the rear surface of the frame 120 and a second sliding plate 132 disposed on a rear surface of the first sliding plate 131. The first sliding plate 131 and the second sliding plate 132 may slide relative to each other.

[0052] Although not illustrated in the drawings, a cover may further be provided under the sliding plate 130. The cover may be coupled to the frame 120 and the sliding plate 130 to protect the display device 100.

[0053] The sliding plate guides 135 may also be arranged on opposite lower sides of the sliding plate 130 so that they face each other. A specific shape of the sliding plate guides 135 will be described later.

[0054] The rotating shaft 145, which is arranged to be rotatable, may be arranged on one side of the sliding plate 130. The rotating shaft 145 may be rotatably arranged on one side of the first sliding plate 131. The rotating shaft 145 may have a certain curvature, and the display panel 110 may be bent together with the rotating shaft 145 at a certain curvature.

[0055] The rotary shaft 145 may include a first portion D1 having a first diameter and a second portion D2 having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.

[0056] The sliding plate 130 can be slid into the first mode or the second mode according to a rotation direction of the rotary shaft 145.

[0057] The sliding of the sliding plate 130 into the first mode or the second mode will be explained later with reference to Fig. 2A to Fig. 3B described.

[0058] The support guide 150 can be arranged between the frame 120 and the sliding plate 130.

[0059] For example, a groove G1 into which the support guide 150 is received may be arranged on one side of the frame 120. The rear surface of the frame 120, facing away from the display panel 110, may contain the groove G1. The width and length of the groove G1 arranged in the frame 120 may be equal to the width and length of the support guide 150, respectively.

[0060] When the display device 100 is slid into the first mode or the second mode, the support guide 150 can be pulled into the groove G1 of the frame 120 or can be slid and removed from the groove G1 of the frame 120.

[0061] Accordingly, no step difference caused by the arrangement of the support guide 150 occurs in the display panel 110.

[0062] A groove G2 may be provided on one side of the sliding plate 130 in contact with one side of the frame 120, such that it corresponds to the groove G1 provided in the frame 120. Specifically, the first sliding plate 131 may include a front surface in contact with the rear surface of the frame 120, and the front surface of the first sliding plate 131 may include the groove G2.

[0063] The support guide 150 may be fixed to the groove G2 of the sliding plate 130. Therefore, when the sliding plate 130 is slid into the first mode or the second mode, the support guide 150 may be fixed to the sliding plate 130 and slid together with the sliding plate 130.

[0064] In the following, the display device in the first mode is described with reference to Fig. 2A to Fig. 2C described.

[0065] Fig. 2A is a perspective view illustrating the display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure in the first mode. Fig. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of an area A of Fig. 2A. Fig. Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II' of Fig. 2B was taken.

[0066] The display device 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is formed as a sliding structure and can increase or decrease its screen size. For example, Fig. 2A shows the first mode in which the screen of the display device 100 is reduced to a minimum size. The first mode of the display device 100 may also be referred to as the "closed state" or "normal state."

[0067] With reference to Fig. 2A to Fig. 2C together with Fig. 1, the display device 100 includes a slidable structure 140 that includes a plurality of scrolling segments. The plurality of scrolling segments are arranged on the rotating shaft 145 such that they wrap around at least a portion of the rotating shaft 145. Furthermore, one of the plurality of scrolling segments is connected to a side surface of the frame 120 at one end of the slidable structure, and another of the plurality of scrolling segments is connected to a side surface of the second slidable plate 132 at the other (opposite) end of the slidable structure.

[0068] The sliding structure 140 can move according to the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 145. Furthermore, the sliding structure 140, which includes the plurality of roller belt segments, and the sliding plate 130 connected to the other side of the sliding structure 140, can be moved into the first mode or the second mode according to the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 145.

[0069] For example, when the rotary shaft 145 is rotated to switch the display device 100 to the first mode, the sliding plate 130 can be retracted into the frame 120, and the first region A1 can be exposed to the outside. Furthermore, a part of the third region A3 can be bent around the rotary shaft 145 and arranged inside the display device 100. For example, in the first mode, the size of the display panel 110 exposed on the front surface of the display device 100 can be minimized.

[0070] In the first mode, a bending position at which the display panel 110 is bent may be adjacent to the first region A1 in the third region A3. A portion of the third region A3 adjacent to the first region A1 based on the bending position may be exposed to the front surface of the display device 100. Furthermore, a portion of the third region A3 adjacent to the second region A2 may be disposed in the display device 100.

[0071] When the display device 100 is slid into the first mode or the second mode, the display panel 110 may be lifted in at least one bending portion of the display panel 110 due to a repulsive force between the roller band segments and the display panel 110. When the display panel 110 is lifted, a difference in luminance may occur. When the display device 100 is touched, the lifted portion of the display panel 110 may be pressed, resulting in a reduction in touch sensing performance or an operational error.

[0072] Accordingly, in the display device 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the support guide 150 is disposed between the frame 120 and the sliding plate 130. Furthermore, the support guide 150 is arranged to be coupled to the sliding structure 140 that includes the plurality of roller conveyor segments.

[0073] Therefore, even when the display device 100 is slid into the first mode or the second mode, the support guide 150 can support or retain the sliding structure 140 including the plurality of rolling band segments. Thus, lifting of the sliding structure 140 and the display panel 110 at the sliding structure 140 can be prevented. Accordingly, it is possible to solve the reduction in touch sensing performance and the operational error that may occur when the display panel 110 is lifted.

[0074] The support guide 150 may be made of a hard material that is not deformed by an external force, and may be made of metal or plastic, for example.

[0075] In the following, the display device 100 in the second mode will be described with reference to Fig. 3A to Fig. 3C described.

[0076] Fig. 3A is a perspective view illustrating the display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure in the second mode. Fig. 3B is an enlarged perspective view of an area B of Fig. 3A. Fig. Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III' of Fig. 3B was taken.

[0077] Fig. Figure 3A illustrates the second mode in which the screen of a display device 100' is enlarged to a maximum size. The second mode of the display device 100' may also be referred to as the "open state" or "extended state."

[0078] For example, when the rotary shaft 145 is rotated to switch the display device 100' to the second mode, the sliding plate 130 can be removed from one end portion of the frame 120 and can move to the outside. Therefore, the third area A3 can be moved from the inside of the display device 100' to the front surface of the display device 100'. For example, in the second mode, the size of the display panel 110 exposed on the front surface of the display device 100 can be increased.

[0079] When the sliding plate 130 is slid, a bending position at which the display panel 110 is bent can be changed.

[0080] For example, when the display device 100 is switched from the first mode to the second mode, the bending position at which the display panel 110 is bent can be changed from a part of the third area A3 adjacent to the first area A1 to a part of the third area A3 adjacent to the second area A2. For example, when the display device 100 is switched from the second mode to the first mode, the bending position at which the display panel 110 is bent can be changed from the part of the third area A3 adjacent to the second area A2 to the part of the third area A3 adjacent to the first area A1.

[0081] Based on the bending position of the display panel 110, the part of the third area A3 adjacent to the first area A1 is exposed to the front surface of the display device 100, and the part of the third area A3 adjacent to the second area A2 is disposed in the display device 100. For example, the size of the third area A3 exposed on the front surface of the display device 100 can be changed, and the screen size of the display device 100 can be increased or decreased depending on the bending position of the display panel 110.

[0082] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, in the first mode and the second mode, the support guide 150 is arranged to be coupled to the sliding structure 140 including the plurality of rolling band segments. Thus, in the second mode in which the display device 100' is extended, the support guide 150 securely supports or restrains the sliding structure 140 including the plurality of rolling band segments even when the display device 100' is touched. Therefore, it is possible to prevent downward deformation caused by an external force.

[0083] In the following, the shape of the sliding structure 140 will be described with reference to Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B.

[0084] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a roller belt segment 141 included in the slidable structure 140 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] The conveyor belt segment 141, which is Fig. 4A, may be provided in multiples in the sliding structure 140 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the sliding structure 140 may be a structure in which a plurality of roller belt segments 141 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in one direction. The roller belt segments 141 may be a rail or webs, but are not limited to these terms.

[0086] Each of the plurality of roller belt segments 141 included in the sliding structure 140 may include a rod 142 extending in a straight line. Furthermore, each of the plurality of roller belt segments 141 includes a ring 143 extending from a surface of the rod 142 and providing a receiving hole H to which the support guide 150 is coupled.

[0087] The support guide 150 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may be coupled to the ring 143 disposed in each of the plurality of roller belt segments 141 included in the slidable structure 140 and providing the receiving hole H.

[0088] For example, the width of the receiving hole H can be equal to the width of the support guide 150.

[0089] With joint reference to Fig. 2B and Fig. 3B, the support guide 150 coupled to the receiving hole H may have a "⊏" shape and include an upper portion and a lower portion that are mutually opposed and spaced apart from each other, and a connecting portion connecting the upper portion and the lower portion. For example, the length of an upper surface of the support guide 150 having the "⊏" shape may be greater than the length of a lower surface of the support guide 150.

[0090] The upper surface of the support guide 150 may be inserted into the receiving hole H of the ring 143 of each of the plurality of roller segments 141 included in the sliding structure 140. Furthermore, the lower surface of the support guide 150 may be disposed below the ring 143 of each of the plurality of roller segments 141.

[0091] For example, the support guide 150 may simply be coupled to the slidable structure 140 containing the plurality of roller conveyor segments 141 while being inserted into the ring 143 of each of the plurality of roller conveyor segments 141.

[0092] An edge of the upper surface of the support guide 150, which is inserted into the receiving hole H in each of the plurality of roller belt segments 141, may be coupled to the second part D2 of the rotary shaft 145, which is arranged on a surface of the sliding plate 130. For example, the width of the second part D2 of the rotary shaft 145 may be equal to the width of the support guide 150.

[0093] The edge of the upper surface of the support guide 150, which is inserted into the receiving hole H in each of the plurality of rolling band segments 141, may be coupled while engaging with a region where the curvature starts in the rotating shaft 145 disposed on a surface of the sliding plate 130. The lower surface of the support guide 150 may be arranged so that it is not directly coupled to the rotating shaft 145, but rather so that it supports a lower part of the ring 143 of each of the plurality of rolling band segments 141. Accordingly, in a region where at least a part of the display panel 110 is bent, the support guide 150 can securely retain the sliding structure 140 to prevent it from lifting off when the display device 100 is slid.

[0094] An edge of the support guide 150 coupled to the receiving hole H in each of the plurality of roller belt segments 141, e.g., the edge of the upper surface of the support guide 150, may have a wedge shape. Therefore, the support guide 150 can be more easily inserted into the receiving hole H in each of the plurality of roller belt segments 141.

[0095] For example, the support guide 150 is fixed to the sliding plate 130 and can thus be moved together with the sliding plate 130 when the sliding plate 130 is slid into the first mode or the second mode. For example, when the sliding plate 130 is slid into the first mode and the second mode, a bending position at which at least a part of the display panel 110 is arranged can be changed. Thus, the number of the plurality of rolling band segments 141 coupled to the support guide 150 can be changed. For example, in the first mode, a bending position at which the display panel 110 is bent in the third region A3 is adjacent to the first region A1. Thus, the number of the plurality of rolling band segments 141 coupled to the support guide 150 can be minimized. In the second mode, a bending position at which the display panel 110 is bent in the third region A3 is adjacent to the second region A2.Thus, the number of multiple roller conveyor segments 141 coupled to the support guide 150 can be maximized. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0096] In the display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the support guide 150 is arranged to be coupled to the sliding structure 140 including the plurality of rolling band segments 141 in a region where bending starts in the first mode or the second mode. Thus, even if the display device 100' is touched in the second mode in which the display device 100' is extended, the support guide 150 securely supports or restrains the sliding structure 140 including the plurality of rolling band segments 141. Therefore, it is possible to prevent downward deformation caused by an external force.

[0097] Fig. 4B is a perspective view of a roller conveyor segment 241 included in a slidable structure 240 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] The sliding structure 240, which is in Fig. 4B is substantially similar to the sliding structure 140 shown in Fig. 4A, except for a plurality of rings 243 each providing the receiving hole H.

[0099] The plurality of roller belt segments 241 included in the slidable structure 240 may include the plurality of rings 243, each providing the receiving hole H to which the support guide 150 is coupled.

[0100] When the plurality of rings 243 each providing the receiving hole H are provided, the support guide 150 may also be provided in plural numbers to correspond to each ring 243 and may be arranged to be coupled to each ring 243.

[0101] For example, if the plurality of roller band segments 241 included in the sliding structure 240 include the plurality of rings 243, a plurality of support guides 150 can support the sliding structure 240 when the display device 100 is slid into the first mode or the second mode. Thus, lifting of the sliding structure 240 and the display panel 110 at the sliding structure 240 can be more easily prevented. Furthermore, the flatness of the display panel 110 can be improved.

[0102] When each of the plurality of roller segments 241 included in the sliding structure 240 includes a plurality of rings 243, the width of the receiving hole H can be reduced compared to a case where the plurality of roller segments 241 include the single ring 143. Therefore, the width of the support guide 150 to be received in the receiving hole H can also be described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0103] In the following, the shape of the sliding plate guides is described with reference to Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B.

[0104] Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VV' of Fig. 2A was taken. Fig. 5B is an enlarged perspective view of an area C of Fig. 5A.

[0105] With reference to Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the sliding plate guides 135 may be arranged at respective lower sides of the sliding plate 130 such that they face each other.

[0106] Specifically, the sliding plate 130 may include the first sliding plate 131 having a first width and the second sliding plate 132 having a second width smaller than the first width.

[0107] For example, one side of the sliding plate guide 135 may be arranged to contact an edge of the second sliding plate 132, and the other side of the sliding plate guide 135 may share the edge with the first sliding plate 131.

[0108] The sliding plate guide 135 may further include a protruding surface that protrudes from one side of the sliding plate guide 135 and surrounds the second sliding plate 132.

[0109] For example, the second sliding plate 132 may be fitted into an inner surface of the sliding plate guide 135 formed by one side of the sliding plate guide 135 and the protruding surface.

[0110] The height of the inner surface of the sliding plate guide 135 may be equal to the height of the second sliding plate 132. For example, the second sliding plate 132 may be set into the inner surface of the sliding plate guide 135, and its movement may be guided by the protruding surface of the sliding plate guide 135.

[0111] Therefore, when the sliding structure 140 including the plurality of roller belt segments and the sliding plate 130 connected to the other side of the sliding structure 140 are slid into the first mode or the second mode according to the rotation direction of the rotary shaft 145, their movement can be stably guided by the sliding plate guides 135.

[0112] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. A display device 300 shown in Fig. 6 is substantially the same as the display device 100 shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5B, except that a support element is further arranged. Therefore, to simplify the description Fig. 6 only the display panel 110, a first support member 311 and a second support member 312 among the components of the display device 300 and redundant description will be omitted.

[0113] With reference to Fig. 6, the display device 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a support member disposed below the display panel 110 to support the display panel 110.

[0114] If the display panel 110 has flexibility, it may exhibit excellent bendability or foldability, but has low hardness. Therefore, when the display device 300 is pushed, it may be difficult to maintain its shape, and sagging may occur. Accordingly, the first support member 311 and the second support member 312 are further arranged below the display panel 110 to support the display panel 110.

[0115] The first support member 311 and the second support member 312, located below the display panel 110, support the display panel 110 to prevent sagging or deformation. Furthermore, the first support member 311 and the second support member 312 can protect the display panel 110 from external impacts or foreign objects.

[0116] The first support member 311 may be referred to as a cover plate or a plate top, but is not limited thereto. The first support member 311 may support the display panel 110 and also block a plurality of holes OP formed in the second support member 312, thus obscuring them from the top of the display panel 110.

[0117] The first support member 311 may be made of a polymer elastomer, a metal thin film, or foam. For example, if the first support member 311 is a layer made of a polymer elastomer or a foam, its impact resistance can be improved. For example, if the first support member 311 is a layer made of a polymer elastomer, the second support member 312 can fill the plurality of holes OP to ensure further hardness. Furthermore, the second support member 312 can easily prevent foreign matter from entering the display device 300 through the plurality of holes OP of the second support member 312. For example, if the first support member 311 is a layer made of a thin metal film, its recovery properties can be improved.

[0118] The second support member 312 may be referred to as a bottom plate or a plate bottom, but is not limited thereto. The second support member 312 may include the plurality of holes OP formed corresponding to a sliding area of ​​the display device 300 (e.g., the third area A3 of the display panel 110). Each of the plurality of holes OP may have a rectangular shape or a circular shape, but is not limited thereto. The plurality of holes OP may be arranged parallel to each other in a first direction or a second direction, or may be arranged to partially overlap each other, but are not limited thereto. The plurality of holes OP can improve flexibility of the support member. Thus, when the display panel 110 is bent (slided), the support member can also be easily bent (slided).

[0119] The second support member 312 may be made of stainless steel (SUS).

[0120] For example, SUS has high resilience and high hardness, allowing the second support member 312 to have high hardness even when its thickness decreases. For example, the second support member 312 can support the display panel 110 and the first support member 311 and can also reduce the overall thickness of the display device 300.

[0121] The first support member 311 and the second support member 312 may be connected by an adhesive, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0122] The sliding structure 140 containing the plurality of roller conveyor segments and the frame 120 may be arranged on a rear surface of the second support member 312, which faces away from the first support member 311. For example, a portion of the second support member 312 in which the plurality of holes OP are arranged may be connected to the sliding structure 140 containing the plurality of roller conveyor segments. In particular, the portion of the second support member 312 in which the plurality of holes OP are arranged may be connected to the rods 142 of the roller conveyor segments 141. In other words, the rods 142 of the roller conveyor segments 141 support the second support member 312 and thus support the display panel 110.

[0123] For example, the portion of the second support member 312 in which the plurality of holes OP are arranged may be bonded to the sliding structure 140 containing the plurality of roller belt segments by an adhesive. In this case, the adhesive disposed between the second support member 312 and the sliding structure 140 may have the same shape as the plurality of roller belt segments.

[0124] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first support member 311 and the second support member 312 are further provided below the display panel 110. Thus, it is possible to support the display panel 110 more securely.

[0125] In the display device 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first support member 311 and the second support member 312 are arranged on the back surface of the display panel 110 to further support the display panel 110. Furthermore, the support guide 150 securely retains the slidable structure 140 in a region where at least a portion of the display panel 110 is bent. Therefore, lifting can be further prevented when the display device 300 is slid.

[0126] A display device according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure may be described as follows.

[0127] A display device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a display panel including a first region, a second region, and a third region, the third region being arranged between the first region and the second region; a frame arranged on a back side of the display panel and overlapping with the first region; a slidable plate arranged at least partially overlapping with the frame and configured to slide between a first position corresponding to a first mode and a second position corresponding to a second mode; a slidable structure having one side connected to the frame, e.g.a side surface of the frame, wherein the slidable structure includes a plurality of roller belt segments that overlap with the third region and / or that are arranged on a rear surface of the display panel, the roller belt segments being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in a first direction; and a support guide arranged between the frame and the slidable panel. Each of the plurality of roller belt segments may include a rod extending in a straight line and a ring extending from a surface of the rod and providing a receiving hole to which the support guide is coupled.

[0128] A display device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a display panel including a first region, a second region, and a third region between the first region and the second region. The display device also includes a frame disposed on a rear surface of the display panel to overlap the first region. The display device further includes a slideable plate disposed to at least partially overlap the frame and configured to slide into a first mode and a second mode. Furthermore, the display device includes a slideable structure having one side connected to a side surface of the frame and including a plurality of scroll band segments that overlap the third region and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in one direction on the rear surface of the display panel.The display device also includes a support guide disposed between the frame and the sliding plate. Each of the plurality of roller conveyor segments includes a rod extending in a straight line and a ring extending from a surface of the rod and providing a receiving hole to which the support guide is coupled.

[0129] The display device according to any of these aspects may include one or more of the following features:

[0130] A rear surface may refer to a surface facing away from a display area of ​​the display device, a front surface may refer to a surface opposite the rear surface, i.e. a surface facing a display area of ​​the display device.

[0131] The third region may include a bending position of the display panel, i.e., a position at which the display panel is bent. The display panel may be bent by 180°. The bending position of the display panel in the third region may vary depending on a mode of the display device. The third region may be flexible. The third region may be overlapped by the roller belt segments (which may be referred to as roller belts). The roller belt segments may be arranged on or support a rear surface of the display panel in the third region. The roller belt segments may be spaced apart in the first direction on a rear surface of the display panel, wherein the first direction is a direction perpendicular to a direction of sliding movement of the slidable plate and / or a rotary shaft.

[0132] The frame can be arranged on a rear surface of the display panel to overlap the first region. The frame can support a rear surface of the display panel in the first region. The frame can be arranged to overlap the entire first region. The first region can be rigid or inflexible.

[0133] The further side of the sliding structure, i.e., the side opposite the one side, may be connected to the sliding plate. The sliding plate may include a first sliding plate arranged on a rear surface of the frame and / or a second sliding plate arranged on a rear surface of the first sliding plate. The sliding plate may be formed or consist of a first sliding plate arranged on a rear surface of the frame and a second sliding plate arranged on a rear surface of the first sliding plate. The further side of the sliding structure may be connected to a side surface of the second sliding plate.

[0134] The second area may be a non-display area. The second area may be overlapped by and / or attached to the second sliding panel.

[0135] The display device may further include a rotary shaft rotatably mounted on the sliding plate, e.g., on a side surface of the sliding plate. The sliding plate may be slid into the first mode or the second mode according to or depending on a rotation direction of the rotary shaft. The support guide may be coupled to the rotary shaft, in particular to the second part of the rotary shaft. The rotary shaft may be rotatably coupled to the first sliding plate.

[0136] The rotary shaft may include a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The width of the second portion may be equal to the width of the support guide, and / or the support guide may be coupled to the second portion.

[0137] In the first mode, the sliding panel can be pulled into the frame and / or the first area can be exposed to the outside. In the second mode, the sliding panel can be removed from the frame and / or the first area and the third area can be exposed to the outside.

[0138] A rear surface of the frame and a front surface of the (first) sliding plate may be in contact with each other and / or face each other. The rear surface of the frame and the front surface of the (first) sliding plate may each include a groove into which the support guide is received. The groove of the frame and the groove of the (first) sliding plate may face each other to jointly form a space. Each of a surface of the frame and a surface of the first sliding plate in contact with the one surface of the frame may include a groove into which the support guide is received.

[0139] The support guide coupled to the receiving hole may have a “⊏” shape.

[0140] An edge of the support guide coupled to the receiving hole may have a wedge shape.

[0141] The plurality of roller conveyor segments may include a plurality of rings, each providing the receiving hole to which the support guide is coupled.

[0142] The display device may further include a support member disposed below the display panel to support the display panel. The support member may include a first support member disposed below the display panel and a second support member disposed below the first support member. The second support member may include a plurality of holes in a region overlapping with the third region.

[0143] The display device may further include an adhesive disposed in a region where the second support element overlaps the third region. The adhesive may have the same shape as the plurality of roller band segments.

[0144] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be embodied in many different forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only, but are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described above are illustrative in all aspects and do not limit the present disclosure.The scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the following claims, and all technical concepts to the extent corresponding thereto should be construed as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Display device comprising: a display panel (110) including a first area (A1), a second area (A2) and a third area (A3) between the first area (A1) and the second area (A2); a frame (120) attached to a rear surface of the display panel (110) so as to overlap with the first area (A1); a sliding plate (130) arranged to at least partially overlap the frame (120) and configured to slide between a first position of a first mode and a second position of a second mode; a sliding structure (140) having one side connected to the frame (120) and another side connected to the sliding plate (130), and including a plurality of roller belt segments (141, 241), the roller belt segments (141, 241) supporting the rear surface of the display panel (110) in the third region (A3); and a support guide (150) arranged between the frame (120) and the sliding plate (130), wherein each of the plurality of roller belt segments (141, 241) includes a rod (142) extending between the first region (A1) and the third region (A3) parallel to a boundary line, and a ring (143, 243) projecting from a surface of the rod (142) away from the display panel (110) to create a receiving hole (H) into which the support guide (150) can be inserted. [2] The display device according to claim 1, wherein the sliding plate (130) includes a first sliding plate (131) arranged on a rear surface of the frame (120) and a second sliding plate (132) arranged on a rear surface of the first sliding plate (131), and the other side of the sliding structure (140) is connected to the second sliding plate (132). [3] A display device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a rotary shaft (145) rotatably arranged on one side of the sliding plate (130), wherein the sliding plate (130) is pushed into the first position or the second position depending on a direction of rotation of the rotary shaft (145). [4] The display device according to claim 3, wherein the rotary shaft (145) includes a first part (D1) having a first diameter and a second part (D2) having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a width of the second part (D2) is equal to a width of the support guide (150) and / or the support guide (150) is coupled to the second part (D2). [5] Display device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of roller belt segments (141, 241) are arranged on the rotary shaft (145) such that they wrap around at least a part of the rotary shaft (145), and the slidable structure (140) including the plurality of roller belt segments (141, 241) and the slidable plate (130) are slid into the first mode or the second mode according to a rotation direction of the rotary shaft (145). [6] A display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the first position of the first mode, the sliding plate (130) is retracted into the frame (120) and the first area (A1) is exposed to the outside, and in the second position of the second mode, the sliding plate (130) is pulled out of the frame (120) and the first area (A1) and at least a portion of the third area (A3) are exposed to the outside. [7] A display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a rear surface of the frame (120) and a front surface of the sliding plate (130) each include a groove (G1, G2) into which the support guide (150) is received. [8] The display device according to claim 7, wherein the support guide (150) is fixed to the groove of the first sliding plate (131), and the support guide (150) is pulled into the groove of the frame (120) or pulled out of the groove of the frame (120) when the first sliding plate (131) is slid into the first mode or the second mode. [9] Display device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support guide (150) coupled to the receiving hole (H) has a bracket shape or a "⊏" shape and / or an edge of the support guide (150) insertable into the receiving hole has a wedge shape. [10] A display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of roller band segments (241) includes a plurality of rings (243), and each ring (243) provides a receiving hole (H) into which a portion of the support guide (150) is insertable. [11] A display device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a first support member (311) arranged on the rear surface of the display panel (110); and a second support element (312) arranged on a rear surface of the first support element (311), wherein the second support element (312) contains a plurality of holes (OP) in an area that overlaps with the third area (A3). [12] A display device according to claim 11, further comprising: an adhesive disposed in a region in which the second support element (312) overlaps with the third region (A3), wherein the adhesive has the same shape as the plurality of roller belt segments (141, 241) and the part of the second support member (312) containing the plurality of holes (OP) is connected to the slidable structure (140) containing the plurality of roller belt segments (141, 241) by the adhesive. [13] A display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (A1) is fixed to the frame (120) and the second portion (A2) is fixed to a rear surface of the second sliding plate (132).

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