Foldable display device

Abstract

To solve various problems in a foldable display device.SOLUTION: The present disclosure relates to display device, specifically, relates to a foldable display device that can be folded and unfolded. According to the present disclosure, a bottom plate may include a first portion having a first height and a second portion having a second height. According to the present disclosure, the foldable display device including an up-down plate having a length in an axial direction is provided. According to the present disclosure, the foldable display device including roller assembly including rollers and roller stoppers is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly to a foldable display device that can be folded and unfolded. [Background technology]

[0002] Display devices are becoming smaller and smaller to satisfy consumer demand, and many manufacturers are making efforts to achieve this because miniaturization of display devices improves design and portability and demonstrates the high technical capabilities of the display devices.

[0003] In particular, a so-called foldable display device that can fold a display device or unfold a folded display device has been developed recently. The foldable display device can be folded or unfolded based on a hinge device. The foldable display device is applied to small display devices such as smartphones, and is also applied to medium-sized display devices such as tablet PCs and notebook computers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present inventors have recognized the requirements for the performance of the above-mentioned foldable display device and limitations in improving folding wrinkles.

[0005] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a foldable display device that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and shortcomings of the related art. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable display device including a hinge device.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fastening structure between a hinge and a surrounding structure.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable display device that eliminates creases.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable display device that is robust in an in-folded state.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable display device capable of blocking heat generated in an integrated circuit from being transferred to a panel.

[0010] The present disclosure has as its objective reducing the thickness of the display device.

[0011] Additional features and aspects will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or will become apparent by the practice of the inventive concepts described herein. Other features and aspects of the inventive concepts will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the description, or which can be derived therefrom, as well as by the claims and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the problems of the present invention, the present disclosure discloses a foldable display device including a panel assembly including a panel having a first display area, a second display area, and a folding area, and one or more plates arranged on a lower part of the panel, an in-folding hinge assembly arranged on the folding area at a lower part of the panel assembly and including a hinge cover, and a first cover frame and a second cover frame coupled to the in-folding hinge assembly, wherein the one or more plates include a bottom plate, and the bottom plate includes a first portion having a first height and a second portion having a second height lower than the first height. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, an up-down plate that rises and falls according to the folding and unfolding operations of a foldable display device is provided, which can improve creases that may occur in a panel when folding is repeated by using the up-down plate.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, a roller assembly is provided that applies pressure to a hinge device using a roller when a foldable display device is in an unfolded state. The roller assembly can firmly maintain the unfolded state.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, various types of coupling structures are provided for the hinge device, which can achieve compactness and strength of the hinge device.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, the bottom plate may include a first portion and a second portion, an integrated circuit is disposed under the second portion, and a heat dissipation sheet is disposed on the second portion, thereby preventing heat generated by the integrated circuit from being transferred to the panel.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, the first portion and the second portion have different heights. The heat dissipation sheet is disposed in an accommodation space formed by the different heights. This allows the heat dissipation sheet to be disposed without reducing the thickness of the display device. According to the present disclosure, the second portion is provided with a vertical wall, which compensates for the loss of stiffness that may be caused by the reduced height of the bottom plate.

[0018] According to the present disclosure, the heat dissipation sheet includes a first adhesive surface and a second adhesive surface surrounding a heat dissipation material. When the heat dissipation material is a graphite material containing dust, foreign matter caused by the dust can be prevented. According to the present disclosure, the second adhesive surface can be in contact with a plurality of heat dissipation materials. Since the second adhesive surface is integrally formed, it is possible to compensate for the reduction in heat dissipation function that may occur when the heat dissipation material is divided into a plurality of pieces.

[0019] In addition, various other effects can be provided that are derived directly or indirectly from the present disclosure.

[0020] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the inventive concepts as claimed.

[0021] The drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are attached as part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and explain various principles. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1A-1D illustrate an unfolded state of a display device 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating a folded state of a display device 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display device (10) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4D] FIG. 1 is a front view of a display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an in-folding hinge module (IHM) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an in-folding hinge module (IHM) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an in-folding hinge module (IHM) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 5A and 5C, which are cross-sectional views taken along the line AA' of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5C, illustrating a display device (10) in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 5A and 5C, showing a display device (10) in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 6C] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a display device (10) in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6D] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a display device (10) in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] 7B is a cross-sectional view of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a folded state, taken along the line BB' of FIG. 7A. FIG. [Figure 7C] 7B is a cross-sectional view of an infolding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state taken along the line BB' of FIG. 7A. FIG. [Figure 7D] 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the CC' direction of FIG. 7A, showing a folded state of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7E] 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the CC' direction of FIG. 7A, showing an unfolded state of an infolding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 7F] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the connection of an up-down plate (UDP), a shaft bottom (HM-6), and a hinge cover (HC) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7G]1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connection of an up-down plate (UDP), a shaft bottom (HM-6), and a hinge cover (HC) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an exploded state of a roller assembly (RA) and a roller stopper (RS) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD' of FIG. 8A, showing an unfolded state of an infolding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8D] 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD' of FIG. 8A, showing a folded state of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8E] FIG. 2 is a front view of a roller stopper (RS) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display device (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a display device (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display device (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a display device (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a display device (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a display device (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a display device (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The advantages and features of the present disclosure, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become apparent from the following detailed examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following examples, and may be embodied in various different forms. The following examples are merely provided to make the disclosure of the present disclosure complete and to fully describe the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0024] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed matters. The same reference symbols refer to the same components throughout the disclosure. In addition, in explaining the present disclosure, if a specific description of the related publicly known technology is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. When "includes," "has," "is," etc. are used in the present disclosure, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it includes the case where it includes a plurality unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0025] In interpreting elements, they are interpreted as including a margin of error even if there is no explicit mention otherwise. When describing a positional relationship, for example when the positional relationship of two parts is described by "on", "at the top", "below", "to the side", etc., one or more other parts may be located between the two parts, unless "immediately" or "directly" is used.

[0026] When describing a temporal relationship, for example when the temporal sequence is described using "after", "following", "next to", "before", etc., non-consecutive cases can also be included, unless "immediately" or "directly" is used.

[0027] Although the first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component referred to below may be the second component within the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0028] The respective features of each embodiment of the present disclosure may be partially or fully combined or combined with each other, and various technical interlocking and driving are possible, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented together in conjunction with each other.

[0029] Hereinafter, a display device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a display device 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure in an unfolded state, and Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a display device 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure in a folded state.

[0030] 1 shows the front, upper, lower, right, left and rear sides of the display device 10 in an unfolded state, and FIG. 2 shows the front, upper, lower, right, left and rear sides of the display device 10 in a folded state.

[0031] 1, the display device 10 includes a panel PNL including a first display area DA1, a second display area DA2, and a folding area FA. The panel PNL is integrally formed and displays an image over the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the folding area FA.

[0032] The display device 10 includes an in-folding hinge assembly IHA that can rotate in an in-folding manner based on a folding axis A1. The in-folding hinge assembly IHA may not be substantially visible on the front and rear surfaces of the display device 10 in an unfolded state, because the in-folding hinge assembly IHA is disposed on the rear portion of the display device 10 and is covered by the cover frame CF.

[0033] The in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) may have a shape formed long along the folding axis (A1). The in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) may be disposed within the folding area (FA). The folding area (FA) is an area where the panel (PNL) is folded by the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA). The first display area (DA1) and the second display area (DA2) are areas symmetrical to each other with respect to the folding area (FA). The first display area (DA1) is an area located on one side with respect to the folding axis (A1), and the second display area (DA2) is an area located on the other side with respect to the folding axis (A1).

[0034] A top frame (TF) may be disposed on the front surface of the display device (10). The top frame (TF) may be disposed to cover the rim of the panel (PNL). The front surface of the display device (10) refers to the surface on which an image is displayed by the panel (PNL). Since the display device (10) is folded based on the folding axis (A1), the top frame (TF) may include two top frames (TF1, TF2) that are physically separated from each other. The top frame (TF) includes a first top frame (TF1) disposed on one side based on the folding axis (A1) and a second top frame (TF2) disposed on the other side. The height from the bottom surface of the display device (10) to the top frame (TF) may be higher than or substantially the same as the height to the panel (PNL). As a result, the panel (PNL) may not be visible when observed from the side. The first top frame (TF1) and the second top frame (TF2) are as shown in FIG. 3.

[0035] The sides and rear of the display device 10 may be covered by a cover frame CF. The rear of the display device 10 is the opposite side to the front, and the sides refer to the surfaces between the front and rear. Since the display device 10 is folded based on the folding axis A1, the cover frame CF may include two cover frames CF1, CF2 that are physically separated from each other. The cover frame CF includes a first cover frame CF1 disposed on one side of the folding axis A1 and a second cover frame CF2 disposed on the other side. The first cover frame CF1 and the second cover frame CF2 are as shown in FIG. 3.

[0036] The infolding hinge assembly (IHA) is disposed near the rear surface of the display device (10) and is disposed along the folding axis (A1). The infolding hinge assembly (IHA) may be disposed so as to be covered by the cover frames (CF1, CF2) in the unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the infolding hinge assembly (IHA) of the display device (10) may be disposed so as not to be visible from the outside. Alternatively, in the unfolded state, the infolding hinge assembly (IHA) of the display device (10) may be disposed so as to be visible from the outside only in a minimal portion.

[0037] Although not shown, a camera module capable of capturing images may be disposed on the front, back, and / or side of the display device (10). In addition, buttons capable of controlling the functions of the display device (10) and configurations capable of performing the functions may be disposed on the front, back, and / or side of the display device. For example, a volume button, a power button, a mode switching button, a speaker, a microphone, an antenna, a flash, and the like may be disposed.

[0038] Although not shown, the display device 10 may include a sensor for detecting an operating state or an external environment. For example, the display device 10 may include a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared sensor, an illuminance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a distance detection sensor, a LiDAR sensor, etc.

[0039] Although not shown, the display device 10 may include a connector capable of receiving a signal from an external source, such as a charging connector, a USB connector, or an earphone jack connector.

[0040] 2, when the display device 10 is folded, the panel PNL is folded with respect to the folding axis A1 so that the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 face each other. The in-folding hinge assembly IHA may be exposed to the outside as the cover frames CF1, CF2 rotate and fold.

[0041] In the folded state, the panel (PNL) is not visible from the outside, and only the cover frame (CF, CF2) and the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) of the display device (10) are visible from the outside.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the cover frames (CF1, CF2) are not limited to the shapes and combinations shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, and may be embodied with other shapes and combinations of parts. According to an embodiment, the first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2) may be disposed on both sides of the folding axis (A1) and may be generally symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (A1). According to an embodiment, the first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2) may be disposed asymmetrically with respect to the folding axis (A1) and may be asymmetrical. According to an embodiment, the angle or distance formed between the first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2) is changed depending on whether the display device (10) is in a folded state, an unfolded state, or an intermediate state. According to an embodiment, each of the first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2) may be physically separated into a frame that covers only the back side of the display device (10) and a frame that covers only the side side.

[0043] According to various embodiments, the first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2) may be structurally coupled to define an interior accommodation space, in which the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) and the panel (PNL) may be accommodated.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the internal storage space may accommodate components for driving the display device 10. For example, the internal storage space may accommodate a battery, a control printed circuit board, a flat cable, a flexible printed circuit board, and the like.

[0045] According to various embodiments, the size of the portion of the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) exposed to the outside may vary depending on the folding angle of the display device 10. For example, when the display device 10 is in a folded state, a large portion of the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) may be exposed between the first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2). When the display device 10 is in an unfolded state, the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) may be substantially covered by the first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2). When the display device 10 is in an intermediate state between the folded state and the unfolded state, a relatively small portion of the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) may be exposed between the first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2).

[0046] According to various embodiments, when the display device 10 is in an unfolded state, the angle formed between the first cover frame CF1 and the second cover frame CF2 may be 180°, and therefore the angle formed between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may be 180°, so that the panel PNL can be in a completely flat state.

[0047] According to various embodiments, when the display device 10 is in an intermediate state between the folded state and the unfolded state, folding may be stopped at that folding angle, which is called a free stop. According to various embodiments, the cover frame (CF) and the top frame (TF) may be made of glass or polymer. The cover frame (CF) and the top frame (TF) may be transparent or opaque. For example, the cover frame (CF) and the top frame (TF) may be made of coated or tinted glass, ceramic, polymer, aluminum, stainless steel, magnesium, or combinations thereof.

[0048] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a display device (10) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] In this disclosure, the direction along the folding axis (A1) along which the display device (10) is folded is defined as the axial direction (AD). The direction from the first display area (DA1) of the display device (10) through the folding area (FA) to the second display area (DA2) is defined as the side direction (SD). The direction in which the panel (PNL) of the display device (10) faces is defined as the top direction (UD). The opposite direction of the top direction (UD) is defined as the bottom direction (BD).

[0050] A top frame (TF) is disposed at the topmost part of the display device (10) in the upper direction (UD). The top frame (TF) includes a first top frame (TF1) disposed on one side of the folding axis (A1) and a second top frame (TF2) disposed on the other side. The top frame (TF) is disposed to cover the rim of the panel (PNL). The top frame (TF) can protect the panel (PNL) from external impacts. The top frame (TF) can form a bezel of the display device (10).

[0051] A panel assembly (PNLA) is disposed under the top frame (TF). The panel assembly (PNLA) includes a panel (PNL) and one or more plates (PLT). The panel (PNL) may include a flexible substrate, a circuit element layer disposed on the flexible substrate and including transistors, a light emitting layer disposed on the circuit element layer and including light emitting elements, an encap layer disposed on the light emitting layer, a touch layer disposed on the encap layer or inside the encap layer, a polarizer for reducing reflective visibility on the front surface, a cover glass disposed on the top of the touch layer, and the like. The panel (PNL) may include a first display area (DA1), a folding area (FA), and a second display area (DA2). One or more plates (PLT) may be disposed under the panel (PNL) and may include various plates for supporting the panel (PNL). For example, the one or more plates may include a back plate for supporting the panel (PNL), a top plate disposed below the back plate and formed from a SUS material, a bottom plate disposed below the top plate, having a pattern formed in a folding portion and formed from a SUS material, a heat dissipation sheet having a heat dissipation function, a middle plate for covering a non-flat plane caused by various configurations of the hinge assembly, etc.

[0052] An in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) is disposed at the bottom of the panel assembly (PNLA). The in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) is disposed at the bottom of the folding area (FA). The in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) may have a long shape along the axial direction (AD). The in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) may perform a folding motion in which one side and the other side rotate based on the folding axis (A1). A detailed description of the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) will be provided below with reference to FIG. 4A, etc.

[0053] A cover frame (CF) is disposed under the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA). A receiving groove in which a part of the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) can be seated may be formed on an upper surface of the cover frame (CF). The cover frame (CF) includes a first cover frame (CF1) disposed on one side of the folding axis (A1) and a second cover frame (CF2) disposed on the other side. The cover frame (CF) may be a housing that defines the side and rear of the display device (10). The cover frame (CF) may protect the display device (10) from external impact. The cover frame (CF) may be coupled to the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA). For example, the first cover frame (CF1) may be coupled to a lever wing (HM-1, see FIG. 5A) of the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA). The second cover frame (CF2) may be coupled to the other lever wing (HM-1, see FIG. 5A). The pair of lever wings (HM-1) can rotate on axes symmetrical to each other with respect to the folding axis (A1). The cover frames (CF1, CF2) connected to the pair of lever wings (HM-1) can rotate due to the rotation of the lever wings (HM-1). The display device (10) can be folded and unfolded due to the rotation of the cover frames (CF1, CF2).

[0054] FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 4C is a rear perspective view of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 4D is a front view of a display device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] 4A to 4D show the display device 10 in an unfolded state. An in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 4A to 4D. For clarity of explanation, unnecessary components are omitted.

[0059] 4A and 4B, the infolding hinge assembly (IHA) may have a length along the axial direction (AD). The infolding hinge assembly (IHA) includes a deco pin (Dec), an infolding hinge module (IHM), an up-down plate (UDP), a roller assembly (RA), a roller stopper (RS), and a hinge cover (HC).

[0060] The hinge cover (HC) may have a length along the axial direction (AD). The hinge cover (HC) does not rotate during folding and in-folding. The hinge cover (HC) may have a substantially half-cylinder shape. For example, the inner and outer shapes of the hinge cover (HC) may have half-cylinder shapes. As another example, the inner shape of the hinge cover (HC) may have a half-cylinder shape and the outer shape may have a different shape (e.g., rectangular, elliptical, etc.).

[0061] Other components may be accommodated in the accommodation space formed inside the hinge cover (HC). In particular, the infolding hinge module (IHM) is accommodated inside the hinge cover (HC). The lever wing (HM-1) (see FIG. 5A) of the infolding hinge module (IHM) rotates in response to folding and infolding. In order to guide the rotation of the lever wing (HM-1), the inside of the hinge cover (HC) may have a half-cylinder shape. In order to ensure that the components accommodated in the accommodation space of the hinge cover (HC) are firmly fixed, a plurality of partitions may be formed to separate the internal space of the hinge cover (HC). The components to be accommodated can be firmly fixed by being sandwiched between the partitions. The hinge cover (HC) may include a plurality of fastening holes. The other components and the hinge cover (HC) can be coupled to each other through the plurality of fastening holes. In this way, the other components can be fixed to the hinge cover (HC). For example, the hinge cover (HC) and other components can be joined together by inserting screws into a number of fastening holes.

[0062] The deco pins (Dec) may be arranged at one end and the other end in the length direction of the hinge cover (HC). Referring to FIG. 4A, a deco pin (Dec1) arranged at one end of the hinge cover (HC) along the axial direction (AD) and a deco pin (Dec2) arranged at the other end are shown. The deco pins (Dec) can enhance the aesthetic feeling when the infolding hinge assembly (IHA) is observed from the outside of the display device (10). The deco pins (Dec) may be formed in various colors and shapes. The deco pins (Dec) can be fixed to the hinge cover (HC) by a slit shape.

[0063] The in-folding hinge module (IHM) may be seated in an accommodating space inside the hinge cover (HC). Referring to FIG. 4A, four in-folding hinge modules (IHM1, IHM2, IHM3, IHM4) seated inside the hinge cover (HC) along the axial direction (AD) are shown. The technical idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited to the number of in-folding hinge modules (IHM1). Some configurations of the in-folding hinge module (IHM) include a configuration that rotates during folding and in-folding and a configuration that does not rotate. Typically, the lever wing (HM-1) (see FIG. 5A) may rotate during folding and in-folding. The wing bottom (HM-2, see FIG. 5A) and the shaft bottom (HM-6) may be fixed without rotating during folding and in-folding. The bottom-direction (BD) surface of the in-folding hinge module (IHM) may be coupled to the cover frame (CF1, CF2) (see FIG. 3). When the in-folding hinge module (IHM) rotates during folding and in-folding, the cover frame (CF1, CF2) can also rotate. The rotation of the cover frame (CF1, CF2) allows the display device (10) to fold or in-fold.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 4C, the infolding hinge module (IHM) may include a plurality of fastening holes (CH1) formed in the downward direction (BD). In FIG. 4C, five fastening holes (CH1) are shown as an example for one infolding hinge module (IHM). Referring to FIG. 4B, the hinge cover (HC) may include a plurality of fastening holes (CH2). In FIG. 4B, five fastening holes (CH2) are shown as an example for one infolding hinge module (IHM) for the hinge cover (HC). The infolding hinge module (IHM) can be fixed to the hinge cover (HC) through the plurality of fastening holes (CH1, CH2).

[0065] Also, the infolding hinge module (IHM) may include a plurality of fastening holes (CH9, CH10). Through the plurality of fastening holes (CH9, CH10), the infolding hinge module (IHM) and the cover frame (CF) may be coupled to each other. In FIG. 4C, three fastening holes (CH9) and three fastening holes (CH10) are illustrated for one infolding hinge module (IHM) as an example. For example, the first cover frame (CF1, see FIG. 3) may include a plurality of fastening holes corresponding to the fastening holes (CH9). Through the fastening holes (CH9), the infolding hinge module (IHM) and the first cover frame (CF1) may be coupled to each other. The second cover frame (CF2, see FIG. 3) may include a plurality of fastening holes corresponding to the fastening holes (CH10). Through the fastening holes (CH10), the infolding hinge module (IHM) and the second cover frame (CF2) may be coupled to each other. The infolding hinge module (IHM) will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 5A etc.

[0066] The up-down plate (UDP) may have a length along the axial direction (AD). FIG. 4A shows two up-down plates (UDP1, UDP2) as examples for the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA). The up-down plate (UDP) does not rotate during folding and in-folding. The up-down plate (UDP) rises in the upper direction (UD) during unfolding. The up-down plate (UDP) falls in the lower direction (BD) during folding. When the up-down plate (UDP) rises during unfolding, it can support the panel assembly (PNLA) disposed on the upper part of the up-down plate (UDP). By supporting the panel assembly (PNLA), the folding area (FA) of the panel (PNL) can be substantially flattened. This can eliminate creases formed in the folding area (FA) of the panel (PNL). The up-down plate (UDP) may be disposed between adjacent in-folding hinge modules (IHM). For example, the up-down plate (UDP1) may be disposed between the in-folding hinge module (IHM1) and the in-folding hinge module (IHM2). The up-down plate (UDP2) may be disposed between the in-folding hinge module (IHM3) and the in-folding hinge module (IHM4).

[0067] The up-down plate (UDP) is coupled to the infolding hinge module (IHM) so as to be able to rise and fall. With reference to FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C, the up-down plate (UDP) may include a fastening hole (CH3). Two fastening holes (CH3) are shown as an example. The infolding hinge module (IHM1) and the infolding hinge module (IHM2) may include two fastening holes (CH4) as an example together. When the fastening holes (CH3) and the fastening holes (CH4) are coupled to each other, the spring (Spr1) and the fixing screw (SCR) are coupled together. Through these structural couplings, the up-down plate (UDP) is coupled to the infolding hinge module (IHM) so as to be able to rise and fall. A detailed description of the up-down plate (UDP) will be described later with reference to FIG. 7A, etc.

[0068] The technical idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited to the term. For example, the spring (Spr1) can be replaced with another structure having elasticity. The fixing screw (SCR) can be replaced with another structure capable of fastening.

[0069] The roller assemblies (RA) are disposed on both sides based on the axial direction (AD). As an example, two roller assemblies (RA1, RA2) are shown for two in-folding hinge modules (IHM1, IHM2). The roller assembly (RA1) is disposed on one side based on the axial direction (AD). The roller assembly (RA2) is disposed on the other side based on the axial direction (AD).

[0070] The roller assembly (RA) is coupled to the cover frame (CF). The roller assembly (RA1) is coupled to the first cover frame (CF1). The roller assembly (RA2) is coupled to the second cover frame (CF2). This allows the roller assembly (RA) to rotate together with the cover frame (CF) during folding and in-folding.

[0071] Based on the same criteria, the roller assembly (RA3) is coupled to the first cover frame (CF1), and the roller assembly (RA4) is coupled to the second cover frame (CF2). The roller assemblies (RA) generate a force that brings the cover frames (CF1, CF2) into close contact with each other in the unfolded state.

[0072] The row stopper (RS) is disposed in the receiving space of the hinge cover (HC). The row stopper (RS) is disposed between a pair of roller assemblies (RA1, RA2). As an example, one roller stopper (RS1) is shown for two roller assemblies (RA1, RA2). The row stopper (RS1) is disposed between the roller assembly (RA1) and the roller assembly (RA2). The row stopper (RS2) is disposed between the roller assembly (RA3) and the roller assembly (RA3).

[0073] The roller stopper (RS) receives a force pushing in the axial direction (AD) generated by the roller assembly (RA). The force generated and supported between the roller assembly (RA) and the roller stopper (RS) increases the force that maintains the display device (10) in the unfolded state. That is, the roller assembly (RA) and the roller stopper (RS) allow the display device (10) to be substantially 180° flat in the unfolded state. This allows the display device (10) to start switching from the unfolded state to the folded state only when a folding force equal to or greater than a predetermined force is applied to the display device (10). In addition, since the display device (10) is substantially unfolded to 180°, the up-down plate (UDP) can be raised to the maximum. This allows the creases generated in the folding area (FA) of the panel (PNL) to be completely or maximally removed.

[0074] Referring to Fig. 4C, for one roller stopper (RS), the roller stopper (RS) includes, for example, two fastening holes (CH5) in the lower direction (BD). Referring to Fig. 4B, for one roller stopper (RS), the hinge cover (HC) includes, for example, two fastening holes (CH6) in the upper direction. The roller stopper (RS) can be seated inside the hinge cover (HC) by combining the fastening holes (CH5) and (CH6).

[0075] Referring to FIG. 4C, the roller assembly (RA) includes a plurality of fastening holes (CH7, CH8). For one roller assembly (RA1), two fastening holes (CH7) are shown as an example, and for one roller assembly (RA2), two fastening holes (CH8) are shown as an example. The first cover frame (CF1, see FIG. 3) is formed with fastening holes corresponding to the plurality of fastening holes (CH7). Through the plurality of fastening holes (CH7), the roller assembly (RA1) can be coupled to the first cover frame (CF1). The second cover frame (CF2, see FIG. 3) is formed with fastening holes corresponding to the plurality of fastening holes (CH8). Through the plurality of fastening holes (CH8), the roller assembly (RA2) can be coupled to the second cover frame (CF2).

[0076] The roller assembly (RA) and the roller stopper (RS) will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 7A etc.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 4D, the infolding hinge assembly (IHA) is coupled to the cover frame (CF). Specifically, the first cover frame (CF1) and the infolding hinge assembly (IHA) are coupled to each other on one side of the folding axis (A1). The second cover frame (CF2) and the infolding hinge assembly (IHA) are coupled to each other on the other side of the folding axis (A1). Some components of the infolding hinge assembly (IHA) rotate on the folding axis (A1). For example, a pair of lever wings (HM-1, see FIG. 5A) of the infolding hinge assembly (IHA) rotate to face each other. The first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2) can be folded to face each other by the folding operation of the infolding hinge assembly (IHA). By the unfolding action of the infolding hinge assembly (IHA), the first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2) can be unfolded to be at 180° to each other in the side direction (SD).

[0078] A panel assembly (PNLA, see FIG. 3) may be disposed in the upper direction (UD) of the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) and the cover frame (CF). The panel assembly (PNLA) includes one or more plates (PLT) disposed at the lower portion and a panel (PNL) disposed at the upper portion. A first display area (DA1, see FIG. 3) and a second display area (DA2, see FIG. 3) may be folded to face each other by a folding operation of the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA). A first display area (DA1) and a second display area (DA2) may be unfolded to be 180° apart from each other in the side direction (SD) by an unfolding operation of the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA). In addition, the panel assembly (PNLA) may be supported by the up-down plate (UDP) during unfolding due to a rising operation of the up-down plate (UDP) of the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA). This can improve the crease formed in the folding area (FA, see FIG. 3) of the panel (PNL). Also, the panel (PNL) can be unfolded to substantially 180 degrees when unfolded by the retaining force generated by the roller assembly (RA) and roller stopper (RS) of the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA).

[0079] FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of an in-folding hinge module (IHM) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of an in-folding hinge module (IHM) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] FIG. 5C is a rear perspective view of an in-folding hinge module (IHM) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] 5A to 5C show an in-folding hinge module (IHM) in an unfolded state. An in-folding hinge module (IHM) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C. For clarity of explanation, unnecessary components are omitted.

[0083] Referring to Figures 5A to 5C, the infolding hinge module (IHM) includes a pair of lever wings (HM-1), a wing bottom (HM-2), a pair of wing guides (HM-3), a number of gear guides (HM-4), a number of gears (HM-5), a shaft bottom (HM-6), a pair of lift washers (HM-7), a lift washer guide (HM-8), a number of disc springs (HM-9), a number of washers (HM-10), a pair of press nuts (HM-11), and a pair of shafts (HM-12).

[0084] The pair of lever wings (HM-1) have a plate shape with a relatively large area. The pair of lever wings (HM-1) are rotatably coupled to the wing bottom (HM-2). Referring to FIG. 5B, the pair of lever wings (HM-1) include a rotation protrusion (RB). The rotation protrusion (RB) may have a half-cylinder shape. As shown, each of the pair of lever wings (HM-1) may include two rotation protrusions (RB), for example. A rotation guide (RG) having a shape corresponding to the rotation protrusions (RB) is formed on the inner side of the wing bottom (HM-2). As shown, four rotation guides (RG), for example, may be formed on the inner side of the wing bottom (HM-2). The pair of lever wings (HM-1) and the wing bottom (HM-2) are coupled to each other such that the rotation protrusions (RB) and the rotation guides (RG) are engaged with each other. The pair of lever wings (HM-1) rotate to face each other when folding the display device (10). The pair of lever wings (HM-1) rotate to form 180° with each other when unfolding the display device (10).

[0085] As shown in FIG. 5C, the pair of lever wings (HM-1) includes a plurality of fastening holes (CH9, CH10) on a surface in the downward direction (BD). The fastening hole (CH9) is connected to a first cover frame (CF1, see FIG. 3). The fastening hole (CH10) is connected to a second cover frame (CF2, see FIG. 3). As shown, each of the pair of lever wings (HM-1) includes three fastening holes (CH9, CH10), for example. The cover frames (CF1, CF2) can rotate in conjunction with the rotational movement of the pair of lever wings (HM-1). As a result, the display device (10) can perform folding and unfolding operations.

[0086] The wing bottom (HM-2) is disposed in the downward direction (BD) of the pair of lever wings (HM-1). The wing bottom (HM-2) is coupled to the pair of lever wings (HM-1). The wing bottom (HM-2) is fixed without rotating during the folding operation of the display device (10). A rotation guide (RG) is formed on the inner side of the wing bottom (HM-2).

[0087] The wing bottom (HM-2) is accommodated in the accommodation space of the hinge cover (HC). The wing bottom (HM-2) includes a plurality of fastening holes (CH1). The hinge cover (HC) includes a plurality of fastening holes (CH2, see FIG. 4B). The wing bottom (HM-2) can be fixed in the accommodation space of the hinge cover (HC) through the fastening holes (CH1) and (CH2). As an example, the wing bottom (HM-2) is shown to include four fastening holes (CH1). For reference, the shaft bottom (HM-6) described later also has a fastening hole (CH1) formed in the downward direction (BD), and the shaft bottom (HM-6) is coupled to the hinge cover (HC) through this fastening hole (CH1). The wing bottom (HM-2) includes an opening (OP1). The head portions (SH) of the pair of shafts (HM-12) are fastened to the opening (OP1).

[0088] The pair of wing guides (HM-3) may have a shape having a length in the side direction (SD). The pair of wing guides (HM-3) are fastened to the pair of lever wings (HM-1). Each of the pair of wing guides (HM-3) includes a slide protrusion (SB, see FIG. 6C). Each of the pair of lever wings (HM-1) includes a slide guide (SG, see FIG. 6C). The slide protrusion (SB) is fastened to the slide guide (SG). When the pair of lever wings (HM-1) rotates, the pair of wing guides (HM-3) rotate in conjunction therewith.

[0089] Each of the pair of wing guides (HM-3) includes an opening (OP2). The pair of shafts (HM-12) penetrate the openings (OP2). When the pair of wing guides (HM-3) begin to rotate, the pair of shafts (HM-12) rotate. The rotational movement of the pair of shafts (HM-12) is a rotational movement that rotates around the axis of the shaft.

[0090] The gear guides (HM-4) and the gears (HM-5) are disposed in the upper direction (UD) of the shaft bottom (HM-6). The gear guides (HM-4) may be disposed in the axial direction (AD), for example, two of them. The gears (HM-5) are disposed between the two gear guides (HM-4). For example, the gears (HM-5) are shown to be four. The gear guide (HM-4) includes an opening (OP3). The gears (HM-5) include an opening (OP4). The pair of shafts (HM-12) penetrates the openings (OP3) and the openings (OP4). Referring to FIG. 5B, the pair of shafts (HM-12) penetrates the two openings (OP3) formed on the outermost side in the side direction (SD) among the openings (OP3) formed in the gear guide (HM-4). Also, the pair of shafts (HM-12) penetrates the openings (OP4) formed on the two gears (HM-5) formed on the outermost side in the side direction (SD) among the gears (HM-5). When the pair of shafts (HM-12) rotates, the gears (HM-5) rotate. When the pair of shafts (HM-12) rotates, the gear guide (HM-4) does not rotate.

[0091] A pair of lift washers (HM-7) and a lift washer guide (HM-8) are disposed on the upper part of the shaft bottom (HM-6). Each of the pair of lift washers (HM-7) is disposed on both sides of the folding axis (A1).

[0092] Each of the pair of lift washers (HM-7) includes an opening (OP5). The pair of shafts (HM-12) pass through the openings (OP5). When the pair of shafts (HM-12) rotate, the pair of lift washers (HM-7) rotate. The lift washer guide (HM-8) comes into contact with the pair of lift washers (HM-7). The lift washer guide (HM-8) includes an opening (OP6). Even when the pair of shafts (HM-12) rotate, the lift washer guide (HM-8) does not rotate.

[0093] The pair of lift washers (HM-7) includes lift protrusions (LB, see FIG. 7C). The lift protrusions (LB) come into contact with the up-down plate (UDP). Referring to FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C described below, when the display device (10) is folded, the lift protrusions (LB) rotate downward and come out of contact with the up-down plate (UDP), which then descends. When the display device (10) is unfolded, the lift protrusions (LB) rotate upward and come into contact with the up-down plate (UDP), which then ascends.

[0094] A plurality of disc springs (HM-9), a plurality of washers (HM-10) and a pair of press nuts (HM-11) are disposed on the top of the shaft bottom (HM-6). The plurality of disc springs (HM-9) include an opening (OP7). The plurality of washers (HM-10) include an opening (OP8). The pair of press nuts (HM-11) include an opening (OP9). The pair of shafts (HM-12) pass through the openings (OP7, OP8, OP9). The pair of press nuts (HM-11) bring the plurality of disc springs (HM-9) into close contact with each other. When the plurality of disc springs (HM-9) are compressed, a torque that hinders the rotation of the pair of shafts (HM-12) is generated by friction. This allows for a so-called free stop in the intermediate state between folding and unfolding.

[0095] The pair of shafts (HM-12) has a length in the axial direction (AD). The pair of shafts (HM-12) is disposed on the upper part of the shaft bottom (HM-6). The pair of shafts (HM-12) includes a head (SH) and a tail (ST). The head (SH) is fastened to the opening (OP1) of the wing bottom (HM-2). The tail (ST) is fastened to the opening (OP10) of the shaft bottom (HM-6). A body between the head (SH) and the tail (SD) of the pair of shafts (HM-12) passes through a pair of wing guides (HM-3), a plurality of gear guides (HM-4), a plurality of gears (HM-5), a pair of lift washers (HM-7), a lift washer guide (HM-8), a plurality of disc springs (HM-9), a plurality of washers (HM-10), and a pair of press nuts (HM-11).

[0096] When the display device (10) is folded or unfolded, the cover frame (CF) rotates. When the cover frame (CF) rotates, the pair of lever wings (HM-1) connected thereto rotate. When the pair of lever wings (HM-1) rotate, the pair of wing guides (HM-3) connected thereto rotate. When the pair of wing guides (HM-3) rotate, the pair of shafts (HM-12) rotate. When the pair of shafts (HM-12) rotate, the multiple gears (HM-5) rotate. The multiple gears (HM-5) rotate, so that the sync of folding and unfolding the display device (10) can be matched. When the pair of shafts (HM-12) rotate, the pair of lift washers (HM-7) rotate. When the pair of lift washers (HM-7) rotate, the lift protrusions (LB) rotate, so that the up-down plate (UDP) can perform an upward movement.

[0097] The shaft bottom (HM-6) is disposed under the pair of shafts (HM-12). The shaft bottom (HM-6) includes an opening (OP10). The tails (ST) of the pair of shafts (HM-12) are fastened to the opening (OP10). The shaft bottom (HM-6) includes a fastening hole (CH11). Referring to FIG. 5C, the wing bottom (HM-2) and the shaft bottom (HM-6) can be coupled to each other through the fastening hole (CH11). The shaft bottom (HM-6) includes a fastening hole (CH1). The shaft bottom (HM-6) can be coupled to the hinge cover (HC) through the fastening hole (CH1).

[0098] Referring to Fig. 5B, the shaft bottom (HM-6) includes a fastening hole (CH4). Referring to Fig. 4C, as described above, the up-down plate (UDP) includes a fastening hole (CH3). The fastening hole (CH3) and the fastening hole (CH4) are coupled to each other, and the spring (Spr1) and the fixing screw (SCR) are coupled together. Thus, the up-down plate (UDP) is coupled to the shaft bottom (HM6) so as to be able to rise and fall. The raising and lowering operation of the up-down plate (UDP) will be described later with reference to Fig. 7A, etc. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' of FIGS. 5A and 5C, illustrating a folded state of the display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' of FIGS. 5A and 5C, illustrating an unfolded state of the display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] The folding and unfolding operations of the display device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B. For clarity of explanation, unnecessary components are omitted from the drawings. For clarity of explanation, a portion of the panel assembly PNLA is also shown.

[0100] The wing bottom (HM-2) is seated in the hinge cover (HC). The pair of lever wings (HM-1) are rotated to face each other. This is because the rotation protrusions (RB) of each of the pair of lever wings (HM-1) are rotated in the R1 direction. The pair of lever wings (HM-1) are connected to the cover frame (CF, see FIG. 4D). The fastening hole (CH9) is a hole for connecting the first cover frame (CF1, see FIG. 4D) to one of the pair of lever wings (HM-1), and the fastening hole (CH10) is a hole for connecting the second cover frame (CF2, see FIG. 4D) to the other of the pair of lever wings (HM-1). Since the pair of lever wings (HM-1) are arranged to face each other, the first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2) face each other. The panel assembly (PNLA) includes a panel (PNL, see FIG. 3) and one or more plates (PLT, see FIG. 3). The panel assembly (PNLA) is supported by a first cover frame (CF1) and a second cover frame (CF2). This allows the panel assembly (PNLA) to be in a folded state as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 6B, the wing bottom (HM-2) is seated in the hinge cover (HC). The pair of lever wings (HM-1) are positioned so that the angle between them is 180°. This is because the rotation protrusions (RB) of each of the pair of lever wings (HM-1) are rotated in the R2 direction. The pair of lever wings (HM-1) are connected to the cover frame (CF, see FIG. 4D). The fastening hole (CH9) is a hole for connecting the first cover frame (CF1, see FIG. 4D) to one of the pair of lever wings (HM-1), and the fastening hole (CH10) is a hole for connecting the second cover frame (CF2, see FIG. 4D) to the other of the pair of lever wings (HM-1). Since the pair of lever wings (HM-1) are positioned so that they are 180° apart, the first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2) are positioned so that they are 180° apart. The panel assembly (PNLA) includes a panel (PNL, see FIG. 3) and one or more plates (PLT, see FIG. 3). The panel assembly (PNLA) is supported by a first cover frame (CF1) and a second cover frame (CF2). This allows the panel assembly (PNLA) to be in an unfolded state as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0102] FIG. 6C is a perspective view showing a folded state of the display device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] FIG. 6D is a perspective view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] The pair of lever wings (HM-1) and the pair of wing guides (HM-3) during folding and unfolding operations of the display device (10) will be described with reference to FIGS. 6C and 6D.

[0105] 6C and 6D, the wing bottom (HM-2) is seated in the hinge cover (HC). The fastening hole (CH1) formed in the wing bottom (HM-2) and the fastening hole (CH2) formed in the hinge cover (HC) are coupled to each other. The wing bottom (HM-2) can be fixed in the hinge cover (HC) by the coupling between the fastening hole (CH1) and the fastening hole (CH2). The cover frame (CF, see FIG. 4D) is connected to a pair of lever wings (HM-1) through the fastening hole (CH10). The pair of lever wings (HM-1) are coupled to a pair of wing guides (HM-3). The wing guide (HM-3) includes a slide protrusion (SB), and the lever wing (HM-1) includes a slide guide (SG). Comparing the folded state shown in FIG. 6C with the unfolded state shown in FIG. 6D, the sliding protrusion (SB) slides within the sliding guide (SG) according to the folded and unfolded states. The display device (10) according to the present disclosure is folded or unfolded around the folding axis (A1). The in-folding hinge module (IHM) according to the present disclosure has two rotation axes formed by a pair of shafts (HM-12). The sliding protrusion (SB) and the sliding guide (SG) can enable the above-mentioned two rotation axes to be linked with one folding axis (A1).

[0106] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a portion of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' of FIG. 7A, illustrating a folded state of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' of FIG. 7A, illustrating an unfolded state of an infolding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view taken along the CC' direction of FIG. 7A, showing a folded state of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] FIG. 7E is a cross-sectional view taken along CC' in FIG. 7A, illustrating an unfolded state of an infolding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] 7A to 7E, the operation of the up-down plate (UDP) in the folded and unfolded states of the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. For clarity of explanation, unnecessary components are omitted in the drawings.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 7A, the hinge cover (HC) is shown, and the shaft bottom (HM-6) is seated inside the hinge cover (HC). A pair of lift washers (HM-7) are disposed inside the shaft bottom (HM-6). The lift washers (HM-7) can support the up-down plate (UDP). The up-down plate (UDP) includes a fastening hole (CH3, see FIG. 4B), and the shaft bottom (HM-6) includes a fastening hole (CH4, see FIG. 4B). The fastening hole (CH3) and the fastening hole (CH4) are coupled to each other, and at this time, are coupled by a spring (Spr1, see FIG. 4B) and a fixing screw (SCR, see FIG. 4B). The up-down plate (UDP) is coupled to the shaft bottom (HM-6) so as to be able to rise and fall. The cutting line B-B' for showing the cross section is a line that cuts the lift washer (HM-7). The cutting line CC' for showing the cross section is a line for cutting the fastening holes CH3 and CH4.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 7B, the shaft bottom (HM-6) is seated inside the hinge cover (HC). A pair of lift washers (HM-7) are shown. Each of the pair of lift washers (HM-7) includes a lift protrusion (LB). For illustrative purposes, the lift washer (HM-7) may have a substantially circular outer circumferential surface and a polygonal inner circumferential surface. Thus, the opening (OP5) of the lift washer (HM-7) may have a polygonal shape. The lift protrusion (LB) is a protruding shape formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lift washer (HM-7). Due to the lift protrusion (LB), the outer circumferential surface of the lift washer (HM-7) has a partially larger radius. The pair of lift washers (HM-7) rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the pair of shafts (HM-12). The outer circumferential surface of the pair of shafts (HM-12) may have a polygonal shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the pair of lift washers (HM-7). In the folded state, the lift protrusion (LB) may be positioned so as to face the lower direction (BD). The lift protrusion (LB) does not contact the up-down plate (UDP).

[0114] Referring to FIG. 7C, the shaft bottom (HM-6) is seated inside the hinge cover (HC). When in the unfolded state, the pair of shafts (HM-12) rotate in the R3 direction. Due to the rotation of the pair of shafts (HM-12), the pair of lift washers (HM-7) also rotate in the R3 direction. Due to the rotation of the pair of lift washers (HM-7), the lift protrusions (LB) come into contact with the up-down plate (UDP) to lift the up-down plate (UDP).

[0115] Referring to Figures 7D and 7E, the shaft bottom (HM-6) is seated inside the hinge cover (HC). The shaft bottom (HM-6) includes a fastening hole (CH4). The fastening hole (CH4) may be an empty space. An up-down plate (UDP) is disposed on the upper part of the shaft bottom (HM-6). The up-down plate (UDP) includes a fastening hole (CH3). The fastening hole (CH3) and the fastening hole (CH4) may be cylindrical in shape. The diameter of the fastening hole (CH3) may be smaller than the diameter of the fastening hole (CH4). Therefore, the fastening hole (CH3) may have a shape that passes through the fastening hole (CH4).

[0116] The fixing screw (SCR) is disposed inside the fastening hole (CH4) of the shaft bottom (HM-6). The fixing screw (SCR) may be fastened to the up-down plate (UDP). For illustrative purposes, a thread may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the fastening hole (CH3) of the up-down plate (UDP), and the fixing screw (SCR) may be a screw. When the fixing screw (SCR) is rotated, the fixing screw (SCR) may be fastened to the fastening hole (CH3) in a screw manner. Thus, when the up-down plate (UDP) rises or falls, the fixing screw (SCR) rises or falls together with the up-down plate (UDP). The spring (Spr1) is disposed inside the fastening hole (CH4). One end of the spring (Spr1) is fixed to the shaft bottom (HM-6), and the other end is fixed to the fixing screw (SCR).

[0117] A pair of shafts (HM-12) can pass through multiple disc springs (HM-9).

[0118] Referring to FIG. 7D, when the display device 10 is folded, the up-down plate UDP can be lowered. When the up-down plate UDP is lowered, the fixing screw SCR is also lowered. This causes the spring Spr1 to be in a relaxed state. Referring to FIG. 7E, when the display device 10 is unfolded, the up-down plate UDP can be raised. When the up-down plate UDP is raised, the fixing screw SCR is also raised. This causes the spring Spr1 to be in a contracted state. That is, when the spring Spr1 goes from a contracted state (i.e., the display device is in an unfolded state) to a relaxed state (i.e., the display device is in a folded state), the spring Spr1 can naturally generate a force that lowers the up-down plate UDP.

[0119] The up-down plate (UDP) is disposed in the folding area (FA) of the display device (10) (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4D). The up-down plate (UDP) descends in the folded state, but ascends in the unfolded state. When the up-down plate (UDP) ascends, it can support the panel assembly (PNLA) above it. When the display device (10) repeats folding and unfolding operations, wrinkles are generated in the folding area (FA), particularly in the unfolded state, which is a problem that is visible to the user. In addition, the wrinkles in the folding area (FA) may cause inconvenience to the user in touch operations and pencil input operations. According to the present disclosure, the up-down plate (UDP) ascends and supports the panel assembly (PNLA) in the unfolded state, thereby improving the creases.

[0120] In addition, the up-down plate (UDP) is connected to a fixing screw (SCR). The fixing screw (SCR) is connected to a spring (Spr1). When folding, the fixing screw (SCR) descends, which relaxes the spring (Spr1), allowing the up-down plate (UDP) to descend smoothly.

[0121] FIG. 7F is a perspective view for explaining the coupling of the up-down plate (UDP), the shaft bottom (HM-6), and the hinge cover (HC) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] FIG. 7G is a cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling of the up-down plate (UDP), the shaft bottom (HM-6), and the hinge cover (HC) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] The joining of the up-down plate (UDP), the shaft bottom (HM-6), and the hinge cover (HC) will be described with reference to Figs. 7F and 7G.

[0124] 7F and 7G, the up-down plate (UDP) includes a fastening hole (CH3) formed in the downward direction (BD). As shown in the drawings, the up-down plate (UDP) may include two fastening holes (CH3), for example.

[0125] The shaft bottom (HM-6) is disposed in the lower direction (BD) of the up-down plate (UDP). The shaft bottom (HM-6) includes a plurality of fastening holes (CH1, CH4, CH11). As shown in the figure, one shaft bottom (HM-6) includes, for example, one fastening hole (CH1), one fastening hole (CH4), and one fastening hole (CH11). The fastening hole (CH1) is a hole for fixing the shaft bottom (HM-6) to the hinge cover (HC). The fastening hole (CH4) is a hole for connecting the shaft bottom (HM-6) and the up-down plate (UDP) to each other. The fastening hole (CH11) is a hole for connecting the shaft bottom (HM-6) and the wing bottom (HM-2, see FIG. 5C) to each other.

[0126] The hinge cover (HC) is disposed in the lower direction (BD) of the shaft bottom (HM-6). The hinge cover (HC) includes a fastening hole (CH2). As shown, the hinge cover (HC) includes one fastening hole (CH2).

[0127] The spring (Spr1) and the fixing screw (SCR) are disposed between the lower part of the shaft bottom (HM-6) and the hinge cover (HC). Specifically, the spring (Spr1) and the fixing screw (SCR) are disposed so as to be inserted into the fastening hole (CH4) in the downward direction (BD) of the fastening hole (CH4) of the shaft bottom (HM-6).

[0128] The fastening hole (CH3) of the up-down plate (UPD) is fastened to the fastening hole (CH4) of the shaft bottom (HM-6). Specifically, the fastening hole (CH3) is inserted into the fastening hole (CH4). Each of the fastening hole (CH3) and the fastening hole (CH4) may be cylindrical. The radius of the fastening hole (CH3) may be smaller than the radius of the fastening hole (CH4). This allows the fastening hole (CH3) to rise and fall within the fastening hole (CH4).

[0129] The fixing screw (SCR) may be fastened to the up-down plate (UDP). For illustrative purposes, the inner surface of the fastening hole (CH3) of the up-down plate (UDP) may be threaded, and the fixing screw (SCR) may be a screw. The fixing screw (SCR) may be rotated and fastened to the fastening hole (CH3) in a screw manner. Thus, when the up-down plate (UDP) rises or falls, the fixing screw (SCR) rises or falls accordingly.

[0130] One end of the spring (Spr1) is fixed to the shaft bottom (HM-6), and the other end is connected to the fixing screw (SCR). When the display device (10) is folded, the up-down plate (UDP) can descend. When the up-down plate (UDP) descends, the fixing screw (SCR) also descends. This causes the spring (Spr1) to become relaxed. When the display device (10) is unfolded, the up-down plate (UDP) rises. When the up-down plate (UDP) rises, the fixing screw (SCR) also rises. This causes the spring (Spr1) to become contracted.

[0131] The fastening hole (CH1) of the shaft bottom (HM-6) and the fastening hole (CH2) of the hinge cover (HC) are connected to each other. Thus, the shaft bottom (HM-6) can be fixed to the internal storage space of the hinge cover (HC) through the fastening holes (CH1, CH2). The fastening hole (CH11) of the shaft bottom (HM-6) is a hole for connecting with the wing bottom (HM-2) (see FIG. 5C).

[0132] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a portion of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing an exploded state of the roller assembly (RA) and the roller stopper (RS) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD' of FIG. 8A, illustrating an unfolded state of an infolding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD' of FIG. 8A, illustrating a folded state of an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] 8A to 8D, the operation of the roller assembly (RA) and the roller stopper (RS) in the folded and unfolded states according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. For clarity of explanation, unnecessary components are omitted.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 8A, a hinge cover (HC) is shown, and a roller stopper (RS) is seated inside the hinge cover (HC). The roller stopper (RS) includes a fastening hole (CH5). The hinge cover (HC) includes a fastening hole (CH6, see FIG. 4B). The fastening hole (CH5) and the fastening hole (CH6) can be coupled to each other, so that the roller stopper (RS) can be fixed within the internal receiving space of the hinge cover (HC). As shown, the number of each of the fastening holes (CH5) and the fastening holes (CH6) may be two, for example.

[0138] As shown in the figure, a pair of roller assemblies (RA1, RA2) may be arranged for one roller stopper (RS). Each of the pair of roller assemblies (RA1, RA2) may be arranged at a symmetrical position with respect to the axial direction (AD). Each of the pair of roller assemblies (RA1, RA2) may be identical to each other and have a shape symmetric to each other.

[0139] The roller assembly (RA) includes a roller (R), an inner housing (RIH), an outer housing (ROH), a spring (Spr2) and a spring holder (RSH).

[0140] The roller (R) may be a cylindrical roller having a length in the axial direction (AD). The roller (R) may rotate based on a rolling axis. The rolling axis is in the same direction as the axial direction (AD). The outer circumferential surface of the roller (R) may contact the side of the roller stopper (RS) in an unfolded state, or may not contact the side in a folded state. The roller (R) may be made of a material having elasticity. For example, the roller (R) may be made of rubber or elastic foam. When the roller (R) is made of a material having elasticity, the adhesive force between the roller (R) and the roller stopper (RS) can be strengthened when the roller (R) contacts the roller stopper (RS).

[0141] The roller (R) is fixed to the inner housing (RIH). When the inner housing (RIH) moves, the roller (R) moves along with it.

[0142] The inner housing (RIH) and the outer housing (ROH) are disposed in the side direction (SD) of the roller (R). The inner housing (RIH) may be inserted into the outer housing (ROH), and the outer housing (ROH) may be configured to surround the inner housing (RIH). The inner housing (RIH) may reciprocate in the side direction (SD) inside the outer housing (ROH). That is, the length of the inner housing (RIH) in the side direction (SD) is shorter than the length of the outer housing (ROH) in the side direction (SD).

[0143] The outer housing (ROH) includes fastening holes (CH7, CH8). As shown, two fastening holes (CH7) and two fastening holes (CH8) may be formed as an example. Although not shown, the cover frame (CF, see FIG. 3) includes a fastening hole corresponding to the fastening hole (CH7) and a fastening hole corresponding to the fastening hole (CH8). The roller assembly (RA) can be coupled to the cover frame (CF) through the fastening holes (CH7, CH8). The roller assembly (RA1) disposed on one side may be coupled to the first cover frame (CF1, see FIG. 3) through the fastening hole (CH7). The roller assembly (RA2) disposed on the other side may be coupled to the second cover frame (CF2, see FIG. 3) through the fastening hole (CH8).

[0144] The spring holder (RSH) is disposed inside the inner housing (RIH). The spring holder (RSH) may be integral with the inner housing (RIH). That is, the spring holder (RSH) may be a column-shaped member protruding from the inner housing (RIH). The spring holder (RSH) may also be a column-shaped member elongated in the side direction (SD).

[0145] The spring (Spr2) is inserted into the spring holder (RSH). The spring (Spr2) is not limited to the term and may be of other types of elastic configurations. The spring (Spr2) may be arranged to have a length in the side direction (SD). One side of the spring (Spr2) contacts the outer housing (ROH) and the other side of the spring (Spr2) contacts the inner housing (RIH). As described above, the length of the side direction (SD) of the inner housing (RIH) is shorter than the length of the side direction (SD) of the outer housing (ROH). This allows the inner housing (RIH) to reciprocate inside the outer housing (ROH).

[0146] The spring (Spr2) can apply elastic force to the reciprocating motion of the inner housing (RIH). When the inner housing (RIH) moves to close the distance between the roller (R) and the outer housing (ROH), the spring (Spr2) is in a contracted state. This state is the unfolded state described with reference to FIG. 8C.

[0147] When the inner housing (RIH) moves to a position where the distance between the roller (R) and the outer housing (ROH) is large, the spring (Spr2) is in a relaxed state, which is the folded state described with reference to FIG. 8D.

[0148] Meanwhile, in this disclosure, four spring holders (RSH) and four springs (Spr2) are shown as examples.

[0149] 8C, the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) is in an unfolded state, in which the first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2) are disposed at 180° to each other.

[0150] As described above, the outer housing (ROH) is fixed to the cover frames (CF1, CF2). As a result, in the unfolded state, the outer housing (ROH) is fixed and cannot move in the side direction (SD). The inner housing (RIH) is disposed inside the outer housing (ROH). The inner housing (RIH) can reciprocate in the side direction (SD) inside the outer housing (ROH). The roller (R) is fixed to the inner housing (RIH). As a result, the roller (R) reciprocates together with the inner housing (RIH). The spring (Spr2) is inserted into the spring holder (RSH). One side of the spring (Spr2) contacts the outer housing (ROH) and the other side contacts the inner housing (RIH). The spring (Spr2) generates force for the reciprocating motion of the inner housing (RIH).

[0151] When the infolding hinge assembly (IHA) is unfolded, the roller (R) is disposed in the side direction (SD) of the roller stopper (RS) and contacts the roller stopper (RS). Since the roller stopper (RS) is fixed while the roller (R) is movable, the roller (R) moves toward the outer housing (ROH). This reduces the distance (D1) between the roller (R) and the outer housing (ROH). Due to the movement of the roller (R), the inner housing (RIH) also moves toward the outer housing (ROH). This causes the spring (Spr2) to contract. With reference to FIG. 8D, the distance (D1) is shorter than the distance (D2) described below.

[0152] When the spring (Spr2) contracts (i.e., compressed), the spring (Spr2) generates a repulsive force (F1). The repulsive force (F1) is a force that compresses the roller (R) with the roller stopper (RS). This repulsive force (F1) allows the display device (10) to be more firmly fixed in the unfolded state. In addition, the display device (10) can realize a substantially completely flat surface in the unfolded state. In addition, the up-down plate (UDP, see FIG. 7A) as described above can be further raised. This can completely eliminate creases that may occur in the folding area (FA, see FIG. 3).

[0153] 8D, the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) is in a folded state, in which the first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2) are disposed to face each other.

[0154] As described above, the outer housing (ROH) is fixed to the cover frames (CF1, CF2). Thus, in the folded state, the outer housing (ROH) is fixed and cannot move in the upward direction (UD) and downward direction (BD). The inner housing (RIH) is disposed inside the outer housing (ROH). The inner housing (RIH) can reciprocate in the upward direction (UD) and downward direction (BD) inside the outer housing (ROH). The roller (R) is fixed to the inner housing (RIH). Thus, the roller (R) reciprocates together with the inner housing (RIH). The spring (Spr2) is inserted into the spring holder (RSH). One side of the spring (Spr2) contacts the outer housing (ROH) and the other side contacts the inner housing (RIH). The spring (Spr2) generates force for the reciprocating motion of the inner housing (RIH).

[0155] When the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) is folded, the roller (R) is disposed in the upward direction (UD) of the roller stopper (RS) and does not contact the roller stopper (RS). This causes the spring (Spr2) to relax. When the spring (Spr2) relaxes, the spring (Spr2) moves the inner housing (RIH) in the downward direction (BD). This causes the distance (D2) between the outer housing (ROH) and the roller (R) to be greater than the distance (D1) in the unfolded state.

[0156] 8E is a front view of a roller stopper (RS) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the components shown are enlarged in size in comparison with other drawings for clarity of explanation.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 8E, the roller stopper (RS) includes a recess (RS-1) on the surface in the upper direction (UD). The up-down plates (UDF-UF, UDP-F) may be disposed in the recess (RS-1). The up-down plates (UDP-UF, UDP-F) may rise in the upper direction (UD) or fall in the lower direction (BD) inside the recess (RS-1). For this reason, the height of the recess (RS-1) may be formed higher than the height of the up-down plates (UDP-UF, UDP-F).

[0158] In the unfolded state, the up-down plate (UDP-UF) may be positioned relatively high within the recess (RS-1). The surface of the up-down plate (UDP-UF) facing upward (UD) may be substantially flush with the surface of the roller stopper (RS) facing upward (UD).

[0159] In the folded state, the up-down plate (UDP-F) may be positioned relatively low within the recess (RS-1). The surface of the up-down plate (UDP-F) facing upward (UD) may be lower than the surface of the roller stopper (RS) facing upward (UD).

[0160] The lower stopper (RS) includes a protrusion (RS-2) on the surface in the downward direction (BD). The protrusion (RS-2) may be, for example, a half-cylinder shape. The protrusion (RS-2) may have a shape corresponding to the hinge cover (HC, see FIG. 4B).

[0161] In addition, the hinge cover (HC) may include a fastening hole (CH6, see FIG. 4B), and the roller stopper (RS) may include a fastening hole (CH5, see FIG. 4C). The hinge cover (HC) and the roller stopper (RS) may be coupled to each other through the fastening hole (CH5) and the fastening hole (CH6). Specifically, the roller stopper (RS) may be fixed to the hinge cover (HC).

[0162] The roller stopper (RS) includes a sloped portion (RS-3) on the side direction (SD) surface. As described above with reference to Figs. 8C and 8D, in the folded state, the roller (R) is disposed in the upper direction (UD) of the roller stopper (RS), but in the unfolded state, the roller (R) is disposed in the side direction (SD) of the roller stopper (RS). When switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, the roller (R) can move along the sloped portion. This allows the roller (R) to move naturally. Conversely, when switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the roller (R) can move naturally. The natural movement of the roller (R) allows the display device (10) to smoothly switch between the folded state and the unfolded state.

[0163] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a display device (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] The display device (10) shown in Fig. 9 may include a configuration corresponding to the display device (10) described above with reference to Fig. 3 and the like. Configurations defined by the same terms and designated by the same reference symbols may correspond to each other. When describing other embodiments of the present disclosure, descriptions that overlap with the above description may be omitted to the extent necessary.

[0165] In this disclosure, the direction along the folding axis (A1) along which the display device (10) is folded is defined as the axial direction (AD). The direction from the first display area (DA1) of the display device (10) through the folding area (FA) to the second display area (DA2) is defined as the side direction (SD). The direction in which the panel (PNL) of the display device (10) faces is defined as the top direction (UD). The opposite direction of the top direction (UD) is defined as the bottom direction (BD).

[0166] The top frame (TF) is disposed at the topmost part of the display device (10) in the upper direction (UD). The top frame (TF) includes a first top frame (TF1) disposed on one side of the folding axis (A1) and a second top frame (TF2) disposed on the other side. The top frame (TF) is disposed to cover the rim of the panel (PNL). The top frame (TF) can protect the panel (PNL) from external impact. The top frame (TF) can form a bezel of the display device.

[0167] The panel assembly (PNLA) is disposed under the top frame (TF). The panel assembly (PNLA) includes a panel (PNL) and one or more plates (PLT). The panel (PNL) includes a flexible substrate, a circuit element layer disposed on the flexible substrate and including transistors, a light emitting layer disposed on the circuit element layer and including light emitting elements, an encapsulation layer disposed on the light emitting layer, and a touch layer disposed on or inside the encapsulation layer. The panel (PNL) may include a first display area (DA1), a folding area (FA), and a second display area (DA2).

[0168] As shown in the figure, one end of the panel (PNL) may be bent. Specifically, the panel (PNL) is bent, and the bent portion extends toward the bottom (BD) of the at least one plate (PLT). An integrated circuit may be disposed in a chip on glass manner on a portion of the panel (PNL) located below the at least one plate (PLT). The integrated circuit may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board via a flat cable (FFC or FPC). The technical idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited to the chip on glass manner. It may also be applicable to a different manner (e.g., chip on film) of a similar form.

[0169] The one or more plates (PLT) may include various plates disposed under the panel (PNL) to support the panel (PNL). For example, the one or more plates may include a back plate for supporting the panel (PNL), a top plate disposed under the back plate and formed of a suspension material, a bottom plate disposed under the top plate, a pattern is formed on a folding part, and formed of a suspension material, a heat dissipation sheet having a heat dissipation function, and a middle plate for covering a non-flat surface caused by various configurations of the hinge assembly.

[0170] The in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) is disposed at the bottom of the folding area (FA). The in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) may have an elongated shape along the axial direction (AD). The in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) can perform folding and unfolding operations based on the folding axis (A1).

[0171] The cover frame (CF) is a frame that covers the side and bottom of the display device (10). An upper surface of the cover frame (CF) may be formed with a receiving groove in which the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) can be seated. The cover frame (CF) includes a first cover frame (CF1) disposed on one side based on the folding axis (A1) and a second cover frame (CF2) disposed on the other side. The cover frame (CF) is connected to the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA). Thus, when a folding operation is performed such that the first cover frame (CF1) and the second cover frame (CF2) face each other, or an unfolding operation is performed such that they are at 180° from each other, the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) is folded or unfolded, and the display device (10) can be folded or unfolded.

[0172] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a display device (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a display device (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. A display device (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. In describing another embodiment of the present disclosure, any description that overlaps with the above description may be omitted to the extent necessary. Also, for clarity of description, some components may be omitted from the illustrations or descriptions. Also, some components may be added to the illustrations or descriptions to the extent necessary.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 10, a cover window (CW) is disposed. The cover window (CW) may be made of glass or plastic material. Recent foldable display devices use a cover window (CW) made of plastic or polyimide material to ensure flexibility. In some cases, ultra-thin glass (UTG) may be used to ensure rigidity and improve transparency.

[0175] The panel (PNL) is disposed under the cover window (CW). The panel (PNL) may have a bent end as shown in the figure. The panel (PNL) may be made of a flexible material.

[0176] One or more plates (PLT) are disposed below the panel (PNL). The one or more plates (PLT) may include a back plate (BP), a top plate (TPLT), and a bottom plate (BPLT).

[0177] The back plate (BP) may be made of a relatively rigid material to supplement the rigidity of the flexible panel (PNL), for example, the back plate (BP) may be made of a plastic material or a metal material.

[0178] The top plate (TPLT) is a plate for supplementing the rigidity of the panel (PNL) as well as the foldable characteristics of the display device (10). The top plate (TPLT) may be made of a plastic or metal material. For example, the top plate (TPLT) may be made of a SUS material. The SUS material may be a stainless steel material.

[0179] The bottom plate (BPLT) is a plate for supplementing the rigidity of the panel (PNL) as well as the foldable characteristics of the display device (10). The bottom plate (BPLT) may be made of a plastic or metal material. The bottom plate (BPLT) may be made of a suspension material. The bottom plate (BPLT) may be formed to be thicker than the top plate (TPLT). To supplement the folding characteristics of the bottom plate (BPLT), the bottom plate (BPLT) may include a slit pattern (PTN) in a portion corresponding to a folding area (FA, see FIG. 9).

[0180] The bottom plate (BPLT) may include a first portion (PT1) and a second portion (PT2). The first portion (PT1) is a portion of the bottom plate (BPLT) having a first height (H1). The second portion (PT2) is a portion of the bottom plate (BPLT) having a second height (H2). The first portion (PT1) and the second portion (PT2) may not be physically separate portions. The first portion (PT1) and the second portion (PT2) may refer to a portion of the bottom plate (BPLT) that is physically integrated. For example, the second portion (PT2) having a second height (H2) may be formed by performing a half etching process on a portion of the heat dissipation sheet (GST) having a first height (H1) as a whole.

[0181] A receiving space (SPC, see FIG. 11) may be formed in the bottom plate (BPLT) due to a height difference between the first part (PT1) and the second part (PT2). A heat dissipation sheet (GST) may be disposed in the receiving space (SPC).

[0182] The heat dissipation sheet (GST) may be a sheet that prevents the diffusion of heat. For example, the heat dissipation sheet may be made of a material having excellent heat resistance. The heat dissipation sheet (GST) may be a graphite sheet made of a graphite material. As described below, the second part (PT2) of the bottom plate (BPLT) may be above the position where the integrated circuit (IC) is disposed. Heat is generated by the operation of the integrated circuit (IC). The panel (PNL) is disposed above the second part (PT2). A large number of transistors and light emitting elements are disposed on the panel (PNL). Such transistors and light emitting elements are vulnerable to heat. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the heat generated in the integrated circuit (IC) from being transferred to the panel (PNL).

[0183] According to the present disclosure, by disposing the heat dissipation sheet (GST) on the second part (PT2) which is the upper part of the integrated circuit (IC), it is possible to block heat going toward the panel (PNL).

[0184] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the heat dissipation sheet (GST) is disposed in the second portion (PT2) where a step occurs due to the height. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the thickness of the display device (10) due to the attachment of the heat dissipation sheet (GST). If the height (H2) of the second portion (PT2) was the same as the height (H1) of the first portion (PT1), the display device (10) would have been unable to avoid an increase in height due to the attachment of the heat dissipation sheet (GST).

[0185] An adhesive member (ADH) is disposed under the thermal dissipation sheet (GST). The adhesive member (ADH) may serve to adhere the thermal dissipation sheet (GST) and the back plate (BP) to each other. The adhesive member (ADH) may be, for example, a foam tape or a PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive), but is not limited thereto.

[0186] An integrated circuit (IC) is disposed under the bent portion of the panel (PNL). The integrated circuit (IC) may be formed by a COG (chip on glass) method. The integrated circuit (IC) may be, for example, a source driver. Alternatively, the integrated circuit (IC) may be a gate driver or a power control circuit. The integrated circuit (IC) may be located in the second portion (PT2) of the bottom plate (BPLT).

[0187] A connector (FPC) is disposed under the bent portion of the panel (PNL). One end of the connector (FPC) may be connected to an integrated circuit (IC), and the other end may be connected to a printed circuit board (not shown). Elements such as a timing controller, memory, etc. for driving the display device (10) may be disposed on the printed circuit board.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 11, a bottom plate (BPLT) is shown. The bottom plate (BLPT) may include a first portion (PT1) having a first height (H1) and a second portion (PT2) having a second height (H2). As described above, the second portion (PT2) may be a portion where an integrated circuit (IC) is located. Since the height of the second portion (PT2) is lower than that of the first portion (PT1), a receiving space (SPC) may be formed in the second portion. A heat dissipation sheet (GST) may be disposed in the receiving space (SPC).

[0189] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a display device (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0190] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a display device (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0191] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a display device (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0192] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. In describing this embodiment, the same or similar illustrations and the same or similar reference symbols may indicate the same or similar configurations as those in the above-described embodiment. For clarity of explanation, some components may be omitted from the illustrations or description. For clarity of explanation, some components may be added to the illustrations or description.

[0193] 12, a cover window (CW), a panel (PNL), and one or more plates (PLT) are arranged from an upper direction (UD) to a lower direction (BD). The one or more plates (PLT) may include a back plate (BP), a top plate (TPLT), and a bottom plate (BPLT). The bottom plate (BPLT) may include a slit pattern (PTN) in a portion corresponding to a folding region (FA, see FIG. 9).

[0194] The bottom plate (BPLT) includes a first portion (PT1) and a second portion (PT2). The first portion (PT1) is a portion having a first height (H1), and the second portion (PT2) is a portion having a second height (H2). The second portion (PT2) is a portion where an integrated circuit (IC) is placed.

[0195] A vertical wall (VW) is disposed in the second portion (PT2). The vertical wall (VW) may have a first height (H1). Thus, a storage space (SPC, see Figs. 13 and 14) formed in the second portion (PT2) may be divided by the vertical wall (VW).

[0196] As described above, the bottom plate (BPLT) serves to compensate for the flexible characteristics of the panel (PNL) with rigidity. According to the present disclosure, the height (H2) of the second portion (PT2) is reduced compared to the height of the first portion (PT1). As a result, the rigidity of the bottom plate (BPLT) may be weakened at the second portion (PT2). To compensate for the weakened rigidity, a vertical wall (VW) may be formed at the second portion (PT2). The vertical wall (VW) may be formed by omitting the etching process at the portion corresponding to the vertical wall (VW) in the half etching process as described above.

[0197] A thermal dissipation sheet (GST) is disposed on the second portion (PT2). Referring to an enlarged portion of the thermal dissipation sheet (GST), the thermal dissipation sheet (GST) may include a first adhesive surface (GST1), a thermal dissipation material (GST2), and a second adhesive surface (GST3). Specifically, the thermal dissipation sheet (GST) includes a plurality of thermal dissipation sheets, each of which includes a first adhesive surface (GST1), a thermal dissipation material (GST2), and a second adhesive surface (GST3). The number of thermal dissipation sheets (GST) is the same as the number of receiving spaces (SPC) generated by the vertical wall (WV).

[0198] The first adhesive surface (GST1) and the second adhesive surface (GST3) may be adhesive materials. The adhesive materials may include, but are not limited to, foam tape, double-sided tape, for example. The first adhesive surface (GST1) may attach the heat dissipation sheet (GST) to the bottom plate (BPLT). The second adhesive surface (GST3) may attach the heat dissipation sheet (GST) to the adhesive member (ADH).

[0199] The heat dissipating material (GST2) may be a material having heat dissipation properties. For example, the heat dissipating material (GST2) may be a graphite material. However, the heat dissipating material (GST2) is not limited to these, and may be other materials having heat dissipation properties.

[0200] For example, the heat dissipation material (GST2) may be in the form of compressed dust. Compressed dust may break down. The first adhesive surface (GST1) and the second adhesive surface (GST3) disposed on the upper and lower parts of the heat dissipation material (GST2) may function as a sealant for the heat dissipation material (GST2).

[0201] Referring to Fig. 13, the vertical wall (VW) may be formed along the axial direction (AD). Accordingly, the receiving space (SPC) may be formed in a plurality of shapes having a length in the axial direction (AD). A heat dissipation sheet (GST) may be disposed in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (SPC). The heat dissipation sheet (GST) may be in a plurality of shapes having a length in the axial direction (AD). The heat dissipation sheet (GST) may include a first adhesive surface (GST1), a heat dissipation material (GST2) and a second adhesive surface (GST2).

[0202] Referring to Fig. 14, the vertical walls (VW) may be formed along the axial direction (AD) and the lateral direction (SD). Thus, a plurality of receiving spaces (SPC) may be formed in a matrix shape. A heat dissipation sheet (GST) may be disposed in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (SPC). A plurality of heat dissipation sheets (GST) may be formed in a matrix shape. The heat dissipation sheet (GST) may include a first adhesive surface (GST1), a heat dissipation material (GST2), and a second adhesive surface (GST3).

[0203] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0204] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a display device (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0205] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a display device (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0206] Another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17. In describing this embodiment, the same or similar illustrations and the same or similar reference symbols may indicate the same or similar configurations as those in the above-described embodiment. For clarity of explanation, some components may be omitted from the illustrations or description. For clarity of explanation, some components may be added to the illustrations or description.

[0207] 15, a cover window (CW), a panel (PNL), and one or more plates (PLT) are arranged from an upper direction (UD) to a lower direction (BD). The one or more plates (PLT) may include a back plate (BP), a top plate (TPLT), and a bottom plate (BPLT). The bottom plate (BPLT) may include a slit pattern (PTN) in a portion corresponding to a folding region (FA, see FIG. 9).

[0208] The bottom plate (BPLT) includes a first portion (PT1) and a second portion (PT2). The first portion (PT1) is a portion having a first height (H1), and the second portion (PT2) is a portion having a second height (H2). The second portion (PT2) is a portion where an integrated circuit (IC) is placed.

[0209] According to this embodiment, the bottom plate (BPLT) includes a third portion (PT3). The third portion (PT3) is a portion located between the first portion (PT1) and the second portion (PT2) and has a third height (H3). The third height (H3) is lower than the first height (H1) and higher than the second height (H2).

[0210] A vertical wall (VW) is disposed in the second portion (PT2). The vertical wall (VW) may have a first height (H1). Thus, a storage space (SPC, see Figs. 16 and 17) formed in the second portion (PT2) may be divided by the vertical wall (VW).

[0211] According to the embodiment with reference to FIG. 12, the thermal dissipation sheet (GST) has a shape divided into multiple parts. As a result, the thermal dissipation function between any one of the divided thermal dissipation sheets (GST) and another adjacent thermal dissipation sheet (GST) may be reduced. In this embodiment, in order to minimize the reduction in the functionality of the thermal dissipation sheet (GST), a thermal dissipation sheet (GST) that is connected into one is proposed, which will be described below.

[0212] The second part (PT2) is provided with a heat dissipation sheet (GST). Referring to the enlarged portion of the heat dissipation sheet (GST), the heat dissipation sheet (GST) may include a first adhesive surface (GST1), a heat dissipation material (GST2) and a second adhesive surface (GST3). Specifically, the second adhesive surface (GST3) is one surface. The heat dissipation material (GST2) may be formed of a plurality of heat dissipation materials contacting the second adhesive surface (GST3). The first adhesive surface (GST1) may be a plurality of adhesive surfaces contacting each of the plurality of heat dissipation materials (GST2). The first adhesive surface (GST1) and the second adhesive surface (GST3) may be adhesive materials. The adhesive materials may include, but are not limited to, for example, foam tape and double-sided tape. The first adhesive surface (GST1) may attach the heat dissipation sheet (GST) to the bottom plate (BPLT). The second adhesive surface (GST3) is capable of adhering the heat dissipation sheet (GST) to the adhesive member (ADH).

[0213] The second adhesive surface (GST3) may be further adhered to a third portion (PT3).

[0214] The heat dissipating material (GST2) may be a material having heat dissipation properties. For example, the heat dissipating material (GST2) may be a graphite material. However, the heat dissipating material (GST2) is not limited to these, and may be other materials having heat dissipation properties.

[0215] For example, the heat dissipation material (GST2) may be in the form of compressed dust. Compressed dust may break down. The first adhesive surface (GST1) and the second adhesive surface (GST3) disposed on the upper and lower parts of the heat dissipation material (GST2) may function as a sealant for the heat dissipation material (GST2).

[0216] 16, the vertical wall (VW) may be formed along the axial direction (AD). Accordingly, the receiving space (SPC) may be formed in a plurality of shapes having a length in the axial direction (AD). A first adhesive surface (GST1) and a heat dissipation material (GST2) are disposed in the plurality of receiving spaces (SPC). The second adhesive surface (GST3) is disposed to cover the second portion (PT2) and the third portion (PT3).

[0217] In this embodiment, the thermal dissipation sheet (GST) is not divided into several pieces but is integrated into one piece, which can compensate for the decrease in thermal dissipation performance caused by the gaps between each divided thermal dissipation sheet (GST).

[0218] Referring to Fig. 17, the vertical wall (VW) may be formed along the axial direction (AD) and the lateral direction (SD). Thus, a plurality of receiving spaces (SPC) may be formed in a matrix shape. A first adhesive surface (GST1) of a heat dissipation sheet (GST) and a heat dissipation material (GST2) may be disposed in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (SPC). The second adhesive surface (GST3) is formed to cover the plurality of heat dissipation materials (GST2). In addition, the second adhesive surface (GST3) is disposed to cover the second portion (PT2) and the third portion (PT3).

[0219] 16 and 17, the divided first adhesive surface (GST1) and heat dissipation material (GST2) of the heat dissipation sheet (GST) are disposed on the second part (PT2) of the bottom plate (BPLT) and are separated by the vertical wall (VW), and the second adhesive surface (GST3) of the heat dissipation sheet (GST) is disposed to cover both the second part (PT2) and the third part (PT3) of the bottom plate (BPLT). This prevents a decrease in heat dissipation performance caused by the space between the divided heat dissipation sheets (GST).

[0220] According to the present disclosure, a foldable display device is disclosed, which includes a panel assembly (PNLA) including a panel (PNL) having a first display area, a second display area, and a folding area, and one or more plates (PLT) arranged under the panel; an in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) arranged in the folding area under the panel assembly (PNLA) and including a hinge cover (HC); and a first frame cover (CF1) and a second frame cover (CF2) coupled to the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA), wherein the in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) includes an up-down plate (UDP) having a length in an axial direction.

[0221] The infolding hinge assembly (IHA) may further include a lift washer (HM-7) including a lift protrusion (LB).

[0222] The lift lug (LB) may have a rotational movement between a downward position and a lateral position.

[0223] When the foldable display device is folded, the lift protrusion (LB) may be located in a lower direction and may not be in contact with the up-down plate (UDP).

[0224] When the foldable display device is unfolded, the lift protrusion (LB) is located in a lateral direction and can support the up-down plate (UPD).

[0225] The infolding hinge assembly (IHA) may further include a shaft (HM-12), the shaft (HM-12) being positioned to pass through an opening (OP5) formed in the lift washer (HM-7).

[0226] The shape of the opening (OP5) may be polygonal, and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft (HM-12) may also be polygonal.

[0227] The in-folding hinge assembly (IHA) may further include a shaft bottom (HM-6) disposed in a lower direction of the up-down plate (UDP) and in an upper direction of the hinge cover (HC).

[0228] The up-down plate (UDP) may include a fastening hole (CH3) protruding downward, and the shaft bottom (HM-6) may include a fastening hole (CH4) protruding upward and coupled with the fastening hole (CH3).

[0229] The fastening hole (CH3) may be disposed to pass through the fastening hole (CH4).

[0230] The fastening hole (CH3) may further include a fixing screw (SCR) that is fixed to the fastening hole (CH4) and disposed inside the fastening hole (CH4), and a spring (Spr1) tp that has one end fixed to the shaft bottom (HM-6) and the other end fixed to the fixing screw (SCR) and disposed inside the fastening hole (CH4).

[0231] When the foldable display device is folded, the spring Spr1 is relaxed and the spring Spr1 can lower the up-down plate UDP.

[0232] The shaft bottom (HM-6) includes a fastening hole (CH1), the hinge cover (HC) includes a fastening hole (CH2), and the fastening hole (CH1) and the fastening hole (CH2) can be coupled to each other.

[0233] The infolding hinge assembly (IHA) may include a first infolding hinge module (IHM1) and a second infolding hinge module (IHAM) arranged adjacent to each other along the axial direction, and the up-down plate may be coupled to each of the first infolding hinge module (IHM1) and the second infolding hinge module (IHM2).

[0234] The infolding hinge assembly (IHA) may further include a pair of roller assemblies (RA1, RA2) including rollers and a roller stopper (RS).

[0235] The roller assembly (RA1) may be coupled to the first cover frame (CF1) through a fastening hole (CH7), and the roller assembly (RA2) may be coupled to the second cover frame (CF2) through a fastening hole (CH8).

[0236] The roller stopper (RS) includes a fastening hole (CH5), and the hinge cover (HC) includes a fastening hole (CH6), and the fastening hole (CH5) and the fastening hole (CH6) can be coupled to each other.

[0237] The roller assembly (RA1, RA2) may include an outer housing (ROH); an inner housing (RIH) inserted into the outer housing (ROH); a spring holder (RSH) formed integrally with the inner housing (RIH); and a spring (Spr2) inserted into the spring holder (RSH).

[0238] The lateral extent of the inner housing (RIH) may be less than the lateral extent of the outer housing (ROH).

[0239] One side of the spring (Spr2) may contact the outer housing (ROH), and the other side of the spring (Spr2) may contact the inner housing (RIH).

[0240] The spring (Spr2) may have a length in the lateral direction.

[0241] When the foldable display device is unfolded, the roller may be disposed to a side of the roller stopper (RS).

[0242] The spring (Spr2) contracts, and the spring (Spr2) can generate a force that brings the roller into close contact with the roller stopper (RS).

[0243] When the foldable display device is folded, the roller may be disposed toward an upper portion of the roller stopper RS.

[0244] The spring (Spr2) is allowed to relax.

[0245] A distance (D1) between the roller and the roller stopper (RS) when the foldable display device is unfolded may be shorter than a distance (D2) between the roller and the roller stopper when the foldable display device is folded.

[0246] The roller stopper (RS) may include a recess (RS-1) on an upward surface, and the up-down plate (UDP) may be disposed within the recess (RS-1).

[0247] The height of the recess (RS-1) may be greater than the height of the up-down plate (UDP).

[0248] When the foldable display device is unfolded, the up-down plate (UDP) may be positioned relatively high within the recess (RS-1), and when the foldable display device is folded, the up-down plate (UDP) may be positioned relatively low within the recess (RS-1).

[0249] The roller stopper (RS) may include an inclined portion (RS-3) on a lateral surface.

[0250] The infolding hinge assembly (IHA) may include a first infolding hinge module (IHM1) and a second infolding hinge module (IHM2) arranged adjacent to each other along the axial direction, and the roller stopper (RS) may be arranged between the first infolding hinge module (IHM1) and the second infolding hinge module (IHM2).

[0251] According to the present disclosure, a foldable display device is disclosed, comprising: a panel assembly including a panel having a first display area, a second display area, and a folding area, and one or more plates arranged on a lower portion of the panel; an in-folding hinge assembly arranged on the folding area at a lower portion of the panel assembly, and including a hinge cover; and a first cover frame and a second cover frame coupled to the in-folding hinge assembly, wherein the one or more plates include a bottom plate, and the bottom plate includes a first portion having a first height, and a second portion having a second height lower than the first height.

[0252] The bottom plate may be made of a suspension material.

[0253] The bottom plate may include a slit pattern corresponding to the folding region.

[0254] An integrated circuit may be disposed below the second portion.

[0255] The electronic device may further include a heat dissipation sheet disposed within an accommodating space formed in the second portion.

[0256] The heat dissipation sheet may include a graphite material.

[0257] The heat dissipation sheet may include a first adhesive surface, a heat dissipation material, and a second adhesive surface.

[0258] The bottom plate may further include a vertical wall formed in the second portion.

[0259] The vertical wall may be formed along an axial direction.

[0260] The vertical walls may be formed along an axial direction and a lateral direction.

[0261] The bottom plate may further include a third portion formed between the first portion and the second portion and having a third height lower than the first height and higher than the second height.

[0262] The electronic device may further include an accommodating space formed in the second portion, and a heat dissipation sheet disposed in the third portion.

[0263] The heat dissipation sheet may include a plurality of first adhesive surfaces, a plurality of heat dissipation materials, and a second adhesive surface attached to the plurality of heat dissipation materials.

[0264] The second adhesive surface may be formed in plurality, and each of the second adhesive surfaces may be attached to each of the plurality of heat dissipation materials.

[0265] The second adhesive surface may be integrally formed, and the plurality of heat dissipation materials may be attached to the integral second adhesive surface.

[0266] The in-folding hinge assembly may further include an up-down plate having an axial length.

[0267] The in-folding hinge assembly may further include a lift washer including a lift protrusion.

[0268] The lift projection may have rotational movement between a downward position and a lateral position.

[0269] When the foldable display device is folded, the lift protrusion may be located in a lower direction and may not be in contact with the up-down plate.

[0270] When the foldable display device is unfolded, the lift protrusion may be located in a lateral direction and may support the up-down plate.

[0271] The above description and the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs may make various modifications or variations, such as combination, separation, substitution, and modification, of the configurations, without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are intended to illustrate, not to limit, the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical ideas of the present disclosure is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted according to the following claims, and any technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present disclosure.

[0272] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations are possible in the foldable display device of the present disclosure without departing from the technical spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure includes modifications and variations of the present disclosure as long as they are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0273] 10:Display device PNL: Panel PLT: One or more plates TF: Top frame BPLT: Bottom plate PT1: 1st part PT2: 2nd part GST: Heat dissipation sheet

Claims

1. a panel assembly including a panel having a first display area, a second display area, and a folding area, and one or more plates disposed under the panel; a heat dissipation sheet disposed on the one or more plates; an in-folding hinge assembly disposed in the folding region below the panel assembly and including a hinge cover; a first cover frame and a second cover frame coupled to the in-folding hinge assembly; the one or more plates include a bottom plate; the bottom plate includes a first portion having a first height and a second portion having a second height less than the first height; The heat dissipation sheet is disposed in an accommodation space formed in the second portion, the panel is bent along an axial direction, the bent portion extending downwardly of the one or more plates; an integrated circuit disposed in the bent portion of the panel; The second portion of the bottom plate extends along the axial direction and overlaps the integrated circuit.

2. The foldable display device of claim 1 , wherein the bottom plate is made of a suspension material.

3. The foldable display device of claim 1 , wherein the bottom plate includes a slit pattern corresponding to the folding area.

4. The foldable display device according to claim 1 , wherein the integrated circuit is disposed under the second portion.

5. The foldable display device of claim 1 , wherein the heat dissipation sheet comprises a graphite material.

6. The foldable display device of claim 1 , wherein the heat dissipation sheet comprises a first adhesive surface, a heat dissipation material, and a second adhesive surface.

7. The foldable display device of claim 1 , wherein the bottom plate further comprises a vertical wall formed in the second portion.

8. The foldable display device according to claim 7 , wherein the vertical wall is formed along the axial direction.

9. The foldable display device according to claim 7 , wherein the vertical walls are formed along the axial and lateral directions.

10. The foldable display device of claim 1 , wherein the bottom plate further comprises a third portion formed between the first portion and the second portion and having a third height lower than the first height and higher than the second height.

11. The foldable display device of claim 10 , further comprising an accommodating space formed in the second portion, and the heat dissipation sheet disposed in the third portion.

12. The foldable display device of claim 11 , wherein the heat dissipation sheet includes a plurality of first adhesive surfaces, a plurality of heat dissipation materials, and a second adhesive surface attached to the plurality of heat dissipation materials.

13. The foldable display device of claim 12 , wherein a plurality of the second adhesive surfaces are formed, and each of the second adhesive surfaces is attached to each of the plurality of heat dissipation materials.

14. The foldable display device of claim 12 , wherein the second adhesive surface is integrally formed, and the plurality of heat dissipation materials are attached to the integral second adhesive surface.

15. The foldable display device of claim 1 , wherein the in-folding hinge assembly further comprises an up-down plate having a length in the axial direction.

16. The foldable display device of claim 15 , wherein the in-folding hinge assembly further comprises a lift washer including a lift protrusion.

17. The foldable display device of claim 16 , wherein the lift protrusion rotates between the lower position and the lateral position.

18. The foldable display device of claim 16 , wherein when the foldable display device is folded, the lift protrusion is located in the lower direction and is not in contact with the up-down plate.

19. The foldable display device of claim 16 , wherein when the foldable display device is unfolded, the lift protrusion is located in a lateral direction and supports the up-down plate.

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