Indication device

Abstract

The present invention provides a display device in which multiple wing plates are arranged on the back of the display panel. [Solution] The display device according to the embodiments herein may include a display panel 110 which includes a folding area and a non-folding area and is at least partially foldable; a first wing plate 210 which overlaps the back of the display panel; a cover which overlaps at least a portion of the first wing plate; a link arm 270 which is inserted between the first wing plate and the cover and has a curved shape; and a second wing plate 290 which is connected to the link arm and overlaps the back of the display panel. When the display panel is folded, at least a portion of the second wing plate can rotate in accordance with its curved shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, as we enter the information age, the field of displays that visually represent electrical information signals has been rapidly developing. Accordingly, various display devices with excellent performance in terms of thinning, weight reduction, and low power consumption have been developed. Specific examples of such display devices include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma display panel devices (PDPs), field emission display devices (FEDs), organic light emitting display devices (OLEDs), and the like.

[0003] In recent years, instead of conventional non-flexible glass substrates, flexible display devices have emerged as next-generation display devices, which are manufactured using flexible materials such as plastic and can maintain their display performance even when bent like paper.

[0004] Flexible display devices can be classified into unbreakable, bendable, rollable, foldable, etc., by utilizing plastic thin film transistor substrates instead of glass, and such flexible display devices have advantages in space utilization, interior, and design, and can have various applications.

[0005] In particular, in recent years, research has been actively conducted on foldable display devices that can be carried when folded and display images when unfolded, in order to achieve ultra-thin, lightweight, and miniaturized designs, as well as large screen sizes.

[0006] Foldable display devices can be applied to a variety of fields, including not only mobile devices such as mobile phones, ultra-mobile PCs, e-books, and e-newspapers, but also televisions and monitors. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Embodiments of this specification can provide a display device in which a plurality of wing plates are arranged on the back of a display panel.

[0008] Embodiments of this specification can provide a display device in which a plurality of wing plates support a display panel in which the wing plates are folded.

[0009] The problems of the embodiments described herein are not limited to those mentioned herein, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Embodiments of this specification provide a display device comprising a display panel having a folding region and a non-folding region, at least a portion of which is foldable; a first wing plate overlapping the back of the display panel; a cover overlapping at least a portion of the first wing plate; a curved link arm inserted between the first wing plate and the cover; and a second wing plate connected to the link arm and overlapping the back of the display panel, wherein when the display panel is folded, at least a portion of the second wing plate rotates in accordance with the curved shape.

[0011] According to embodiments of this specification, a display device can be provided that includes a mounting portion for attaching a display panel and a wing plate.

[0012] According to embodiments of this specification, by connecting the wing plates with link arms, an environmentally friendly display device can be provided, as the wing plates do not wear out or need to be replaced.

[0013] The effects of the embodiments described herein are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] The contents of this specification will be better understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings provided below. The detailed description and accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the contents of this specification. [Figure 1] This figure shows a display device according to various embodiments of this specification. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the hinge structure and display panel of a display device in an unfolded state, according to various embodiments of this specification. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the hinge structure and display panel of a display device according to various embodiments of this specification when it is not folded. [Figure 4] This is a side view of the hinge structure and display panel of a display device while it is folded, according to various embodiments of this specification. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the hinge structure and display panel of a display device according to various embodiments of this specification while it is folded. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to illustrative drawings. When assigning reference numerals to components in each drawing, the same reference numerals may be used for the same components as far as possible, even if they are shown in other drawings. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function would obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted. When "includes," "has," "consists of," etc., as referred to herein, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed singly, it may include multiple components unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0016] Furthermore, when describing the components of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are used solely to distinguish a component from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, sequence, or number of the component.

[0017] In descriptions of the positional relationships of components, when it is stated that two or more components are “linked,” “joined,” or “connected,” it should be understood that while two or more components can be directly “linked,” “joined,” or “connected,” it is also possible for two or more components to be further “interposed” with other components before being “linked,” “joined,” or “connected.” Here, the other components may be included in one or more of the two or more components that are “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” to each other.

[0018] In descriptions of temporal relationships concerning constituent elements, operating methods, or manufacturing methods, when temporal order or sequential relationships are described using phrases such as "after," "following," "next," or "before," unless "immediately" or "directly" is used, this can include cases that are not continuous.

[0019] On the one hand, when a numerical value related to a component or its corresponding information (e.g., level, etc.) is mentioned, even without a separate explicit description, the numerical value or its corresponding information can be interpreted as including the range of errors that can occur due to various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external impacts, noise, etc.).

[0020] Hereinafter, various embodiments of this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a display device 100 according to various embodiments of this specification.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device 100 can include a display panel 110 and a plurality of hinge structures 120.

[0023] The display panel 110 can be folded. At least a part of the display panel 110 can be made of a flexible material.

[0024] The display panel 110 can include a folding region FA where the display device 100 is folded and a non-folding region NFA that maintains a flat state while being folded, with respect to a folding axis FL (Folding Line). The non-folding region NFA can be disposed on one side and the other side of the folding region FA, respectively.

[0025] The display panel 110 can include a display region DA where an image is displayed and a non-display region NDA that demarcates the outline of the display region DA and where no image is displayed.

[0026] The plurality of hinge structures 120 can be disposed on the back surface of the display panel 110. The plurality of hinge structures 120 can be disposed at the first end, the second end, and the central portion of the back surface of the display panel 110, respectively. The hinge structure 120 can be formed symmetrically with respect to the folding axis FL.

[0027] The hinge structure 120 can be configured to support the display panel 110 while it is folded, and to prevent wrinkles from forming on the display panel 110.

[0028] The following examples illustrate the various configurations of the hinge structure 120.

[0029] Figure 2 is a side view of the hinge structure 120 and display panel 110 when the display device 100 is not folded, according to various embodiments of this specification, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the hinge structure 120 and display panel 110 when the display device 100 is not folded, according to various embodiments of this specification.

[0030] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the hinge structure 120 is located on the back of the display panel 110 and can support the display panel 110 when it is not folded.

[0031] The hinge structure 120 may include a first wing plate 210, a first mounting portion 230, a cover 250, a link arm 270, a second wing plate 290, a second mounting portion 310, a hinge arm 330, a hinge housing 350, and a hinge cover 370. The hinge structure 120 may include two of each of the first wing plate 210, first mounting portion 230, cover 250, link arm 270, second wing plate 290, and second mounting portion 310.

[0032] The first wing plate 210 can support the display panel 110. The first wing plate 210 can overlap the back of the display panel 110. At least a portion of the first wing plate 210 can be separated from the display panel 110. The first wing plate 210 can be positioned in accordance with the folding area FA. The first wing plate 210 can be made of a metallic material.

[0033] The first mounting portion 230 can be used to attach at least a portion of the first wing plate 210 to the display panel 110. The first mounting portion 230 can be made of double-sided tape. At least a portion of the first wing plate 210 and at least a portion of the display panel 110 attached via the first mounting portion 230 do not need to be separated, whether folded or not. The first mounting portion 230 can be positioned corresponding to the folding area FA.

[0034] The cover 250 can overlap at least a portion of the first wing plate 210. A space for inserting the link arm 270 may be formed between the cover 250 and at least a portion of the first wing plate 210. Depending on the formed space, the link arm 270 can be inserted and removed. The cover 250 can be positioned corresponding to the folding region FA.

[0035] The link arm 270 may have a curved shape. The link arm 270 can connect the first wing plate 210 and the second wing plate 290. The link arm 270 may be connected to the second wing plate 290 or may be integrally formed with it. The link arm 270 can be positioned corresponding to the folding region FA.

[0036] The second wing plate 290 can support the display panel 110. The second wing plate 290 can overlap the back of the display panel 110. At least a portion of the second wing plate 290 can be separated from the display panel 110. The second wing plate 290 can be positioned in accordance with the folding area FA. The second wing plate 290 can be made of a metallic material.

[0037] The second mounting portion 310 can be used to attach at least a portion of the second wing plate 290 to the display panel 110. The second mounting portion 310 can be made of double-sided tape. At least a portion of the second wing plate 290 and at least a portion of the display panel 110 attached via the second mounting portion 310 do not need to be separated, whether folded or not. The first mounting portion 230 can be positioned corresponding to the folding area FA.

[0038] The hinge arm 330 can be positioned below the second wing plate 290. The hinge arm 330 can overlap with the second wing plate 290. The hinge arm 330 can support the second wing plate 290. When the hinge arm 330 supports the second wing plate 290, it can support the display panel 110. The hinge arm 330 can rotate as the display panel 110 is folded. The hinge arm 330 can be positioned corresponding to at least a portion of the folding region FA and the non-folding region NFA.

[0039] The hinge housing 350 can be positioned beneath the cover 250 in contact with the first wing plate 210. The hinge housing 350 can overlap the first wing plate 210 and the cover 250. The hinge housing 350 can connect the hinge arm 330 and the hinge cover 370. The hinge housing 350 can be used in the assembly of the hinge cover 370 and the hinge arm 330. The hinge housing 350 can support the first wing plate 210 and the cover 250. The hinge housing 350 can be positioned corresponding to the folding area FA. An empty space can be formed in the central part of the hinge housing 350.

[0040] The hinge cover 370 can enclose the hinge housing 350. The hinge cover 370 is visible from the outside whether the display panel 110 is folded or not. The hinge cover 370 can be positioned to correspond to the folding area FA.

[0041] The following illustrates the configuration of the hinge structure 120 while the display panel 110 is folded.

[0042] Figure 4 is a side view of the hinge structure 120 and display panel 110 while the display device 100 is folded according to various embodiments of this specification, and Figure 5 is a perspective view of the hinge structure 120 and display panel 110 while the display device 100 is folded according to various embodiments of this specification.

[0043] Referring to Figure 4, when the display panel 110 is folded, at least a portion of the first wing plate 210 does not need to be in contact with the display panel 110. At least a portion of the first wing plate 210 that does not come into contact can be positioned in the empty space in the center of the hinge housing 350. The hinge housing 350 can support at least a portion of the first wing plate 210. This can increase the strength with which the first wing plate 210 supports at least a portion of the display panel 110.

[0044] While the display panel 110 is folded, at least a portion of the first wing plate 210, which is attached via the first mounting portion 230, can support at least a portion of the display panel 110. This allows at least a portion of the rounded display panel 110 to be supported as it is folded. Since at least a portion of the display panel 110 is supported, the phenomenon of wrinkle formation in the display panel 110 can be minimized.

[0045] While the display panel 110 is folded, at least a portion of the link arm 270 may be separated from the cover 250 and the first wing plate 210. However, the link arm 270 does not have to be completely detached from the first wing plate 210 and the cover 250.

[0046] When at least a portion of the link arm 270 is separated from at least a portion of the first wing plate 210 and at least a portion of the cover 250 according to the curved shape (i.e., the display panel 110 is folded), the second wing plate 290 connected to the link arm 270 can rotate in accordance with the curved shape.

[0047] Therefore, while the display panel 110 is folded, the edge of the second wing plate 290 that was adjacent to the first wing plate 210 when the display panel 110 was not folded may not interfere with the edge of the first wing plate 210.

[0048] When the display panel 110 is folded, at least a portion of the second wing plate 290 may no longer be in contact with the display panel 110. The area of ​​at least a portion of the second wing plate 290 that is not in contact may be smaller than the area of ​​at least a portion of the first wing plate 210 that is not in contact.

[0049] While the display panel 110 is folded, at least a portion of the second wing plate 290, which is attached via the second mounting portion 310, can support at least a portion of the display panel 110. This allows at least a portion of the display panel 110 to be supported, thus minimizing the occurrence of wrinkles in the display panel 110.

[0050] In other words, the first wing plate 210 and the second wing plate 290 each support at least a portion of the display panel 110 via the first mounting portion 230 and the second mounting portion 310, thereby minimizing the formation of wrinkles in the display panel 110 due to stress corresponding to folding.

[0051] Referring to Figure 5, the hinge structure 120 may further include a connecting member 390 and a spring member 410. The hinge housing 350, the connecting member 390, and the spring member 410 can be fixed to the hinge cover 370.

[0052] The first wing plate 210, the second wing plate 290, the cover 250, the first mounting portion 230, the second mounting portion 310, and the hinge cover 370 of the hinge structure 120 can be arranged to correspond to the entire folding area FA. One hinge housing 350 can be placed at each of the first end, second end, and center of the back of the display panel 110. One connecting member 390 and one spring member 410 can be placed at each of the first end, second end, and center of the back of the display panel 110 within the folding area FA. Alternatively, two connecting members 390 and two spring members 410 may be placed at each of the first end, second end, and center of the back of the display panel 110 within the folding area FA.

[0053] The connecting member 390 can be connected to the hinge arm 330 via a hole in the hinge arm 330 and a screw in the connecting member 390. This allows the connecting member 390 to rotate when the hinge arm 330 rotates. One side of the connecting member 390 can be connected to the hinge arm 330, and the other side of the connecting member 390 can be connected to the spring member 410.

[0054] The spring member 410 can connect to (or contact) the connecting member 390. The spring member 410 can be compressed or extended depending on whether the display panel 110 is folded or not. A frictional force may be formed between the spring member 410 and the connecting member 390 depending on whether the display panel 110 is folded or not (or the connecting member 390 is rotated). This frictional force can compress or extend the spring member 410. Torque may be generated depending on the compression or extension of the spring member 410. This torque can be used to fix the folding angle of the display panel 110.

[0055] The display device according to the embodiments of this specification can be described as follows.

[0056] The display device may include a display panel that includes a folding area and a non-folding area and is at least partially foldable; a first wing plate that overlaps the back of the display panel; a cover that overlaps at least a portion of the first wing plate; a curved link arm inserted between the first wing plate and the cover; and a second wing plate connected to the link arm and overlapping the back of the display panel.

[0057] When the display panel is folded, at least a portion of the second wing plate can rotate to accommodate its curved shape.

[0058] The first wing plate and the second wing plate can be positioned in accordance with the folding region.

[0059] The display device may further include a first mounting portion for attaching at least a portion of the first wing plate and at least a portion of the display panel.

[0060] The display device may further include a second mounting portion for attaching at least a portion of the second wing plate and at least a portion of the display panel.

[0061] The cover, the first mounting portion, and the second mounting portion can be positioned corresponding to the folding area.

[0062] When the display panel is folded, at least a portion of the first wing plate that does not come into contact with the first mounting portion may not come into contact with the display panel.

[0063] When the display panel is folded, at least a portion of the second wing plate that does not come into contact with the second mounting portion may not come into contact with the display panel.

[0064] When the display panel is folded, at least a portion of the link arm can be separated from the first wing plate and the cover.

[0065] While the display panel is folded, the edges of the first wing plate and the edges of the second wing plate may not interfere with each other.

[0066] It may further include a hinge arm that overlaps with the second wing plate and rotates as the display panel folds.

[0067] The display device may further include a spring member that compresses or expands in response to the folding or unfolding of the display panel, and a connecting member that is connected on one side to a hinge arm and on the other side to the spring member and rotates as the hinge arm rotates.

[0068] The display device may further include a hinge cover positioned corresponding to the folding area, to which connecting members and spring members are fixed.

[0069] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of this specification, and any person with ordinary skill in the art to which this specification belongs may make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of this specification. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and not to limit the technical concept of this specification; therefore, the scope of the technical concept of this specification is not limited by these embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 100 display device 110 Display Panels 120 Hinge structure 210 First wing plate 230 First mounting section 250 Cover 270 Link Arm 290 Second wing plate 310 Second mounting section 330 Hinge Arm 350 Hinge Housing 370 Hinge Cover 390 Connecting member 410 Spring component

Claims

1. A display panel that includes a folding area and a non-folding area, and in which at least a portion is foldable. A first wing plate that overlaps with the back of the aforementioned display panel, A cover that overlaps with at least a portion of the first wing plate, A link arm having a curved shape is inserted between the first wing plate and the cover, and It includes a second wing plate connected to the link arm and overlapping the back of the display panel, A display device wherein, when the display panel is folded, at least a portion of the second wing plate rotates in accordance with the curved shape of the link arm.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first wing plate and the second wing plate are arranged in positions corresponding to the folding region.

3. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a first mounting portion for attaching at least a portion of the first wing plate and at least a portion of the display panel.

4. The display device according to claim 3, further comprising a second mounting portion for attaching at least a portion of the second wing plate and at least a portion of the display panel.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the cover, the first mounting portion, and the second mounting portion are arranged in positions corresponding to the folding region.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein when the display panel is folded, at least a portion of the first wing plate that does not come into contact with the first mounting portion does not come into contact with the display panel.

7. The display device according to claim 3, wherein when the display panel is folded, at least a portion of the first wing plate, which is attached via the first mounting portion, supports at least a portion of the display panel.

8. The display device according to claim 4, wherein when the display panel is folded, at least a portion of the second wing plate that does not come into contact with the second mounting portion does not come into contact with the display panel.

9. The display device according to claim 4, wherein when the display panel is folded, the area of ​​the second wing plate that does not come into contact with the display panel is smaller than the area of ​​the first wing plate that does not come into contact with the display panel.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein when the display panel is folded, at least a portion of the link arm is separated between the first wing plate and the cover.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein the edge of the first wing plate and the edge of the second wing plate do not interfere with each other while the display panel is folded.

12. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a hinge arm that overlaps with the second wing plate and rotates as the display panel is folded.

13. A spring member that compresses or expands in accordance with the folding or unfolding of the display panel; and The display device according to claim 12, further comprising a connecting member having a first side connected to the hinge arm and a second side connected to the spring member, the connecting member rotating as the hinge arm rotates.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein the hinge arm is positioned to correspond to at least a portion of the folding region and the non-folding region.

15. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising a hinge cover positioned at a location corresponding to the folding region and for fixing the connecting member and the spring member.

16. A display panel that includes a folding area and a non-folding area, and in which at least a portion is foldable. A first wing plate that overlaps with the back of the aforementioned display panel, A second wing plate that overlaps with the back of the aforementioned display panel, and The first wing plate and the second wing plate are connected and include a curved link arm, A display device wherein, when the display panel is folded, at least a portion of the second wing plate rotates in accordance with the curved shape of the link arm.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein the first wing plate and the second wing plate are arranged in positions corresponding to the folding region.

18. The display device according to claim 16, further comprising a first mounting portion for attaching at least a portion of the first wing plate and at least a portion of the display panel.

19. The display device according to claim 18, further comprising a second mounting portion for attaching at least a portion of the second wing plate and at least a portion of the display panel.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are arranged in positions corresponding to the folding region.

Images