Display device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display device comprising: a flexible display panel: a back cover positioned on the rear surface of the flexible display panel; and a driving unit rotatably connected to the back cover and the rear surface of the flexible display panel and for converting the flexible display panel to a bent state or a flat state, the driving unit comprising a pinion gear, a rack, a pair of link bridges and link members. Thus the present invention can improve the sensation of immersion for a user by using a link structure capable of converting the flexible display panel into a bent state or a flat state.

Description

display device

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device that can be changed into a curved structure to improve a user's sense of immersion.

[0002] As the information society develops, the demand for display devices is also increasing in various forms, and in response to this, recent display devices include liquid crystal display devices (LCD), field emission display devices (FED), plasma display panels (PDP), and electroluminescence devices.

[0003] Here, the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal layer and a TFT substrate and a color filter substrate facing each other with the liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween, and can display an image using light provided from a backlight unit.

[0004] As an example of an electroluminescent device (ELD), an active-matrix type organic light-emitting display device is commercially available. Because OLED displays are self-luminous, they do not require a backlight and offer advantages over liquid crystal displays (LCDs) in terms of response speed, viewing angle, and other factors. Therefore, they are attracting attention as next-generation displays.

[0005] In this way, organic light-emitting display devices can be bent and deformed because they do not have a backlight, enabling the implementation of curved displays.

[0006] A curved display with a consistent curvature can enhance user immersion. Furthermore, when viewing with multiple people, a flat display can be more convenient for viewing.

[0007] Therefore, in order to further enhance the usability of the display device, a means is required to convert the display into a curved or flat state.

[0008] The present invention provides a display device, and more specifically, it aims to provide a display device capable of enhancing a user's sense of immersion through a link structure that can convert a flexible display panel into a curved state or a flat state.

[0009] In addition, the purpose is to provide a display device that can prevent screen distortion by bending the flexible display panel to have a constant curvature.

[0010] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0011] A display device is provided, comprising: a flexible display panel; a back cover positioned on a back surface of the flexible display panel; and a driving unit rotatably coupled to the back surface of the flexible display panel and the back cover and converting the flexible display panel into a curved state or a flat state, wherein the driving unit comprises: a pinion gear positioned at the center of the front surface of the back cover; a pair of link bridges having a rack formed on one side thereof that engages with the pinion gear and moves horizontally when the pinion gear is driven; and a pair of link members having one end rotatably coupled to the other side of the link bridge and the other end rotatably coupled to the back surface of the flexible display panel.

[0012] The pair of link bridges moves in the horizontal direction and changes the angle of the pair of link members, and the pair of link members can push or pull the back surface of the flexible display panel as the angle changes.

[0013] The above pair of link members can move in the horizontal direction together with the movement of the above pair of link bridges.

[0014] The above link member may include a first link having one end joined to the other end of the link bridge; and a second link having one end spaced apart from one end of the first link and joined to the other end of the link bridge.

[0015] The second link may be arranged in pairs above and below the other end of the link bridge.

[0016] The other end of the first link may be positioned at the rear edge of the flexible display panel, and the other end of the second link may be positioned spaced inward from the other end of the first link.

[0017] The horizontal length of the first link may be longer than the horizontal length of the second link.

[0018] It may include a first rotation pin penetrating one end of the first link and the other end edge of the link bridge; and a second rotation pin penetrating one end of the second link and the other end middle portion of the link bridge.

[0019] The above back cover may include a cover bracket that covers the pinion gear and the pair of link bridges and exposes the link member.

[0020] The above cover bracket may include a first guide hole into which the first rotation pin is inserted and a second guide hole into which the second rotation pin is inserted, which are formed in the horizontal direction on the upper and lower surfaces.

[0021] The above driving unit may include a driving motor that drives the pinion gear.

[0022] The display device according to the present invention can improve the user's sense of immersion through a link structure that can convert the flexible display panel into a curved state or a flat state.

[0023] Additionally, by bending the flexible display panel to have a constant curvature, distortion of the screen can be prevented.

[0024] The effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0025] Figure 1 is a block diagram for explaining each component of the display device.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a drawing of a flexible display panel in a bent state in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0028] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are drawings for explaining the driving of a driving unit in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a cover bracket of a back cover in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0031] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0032] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0033] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram for explaining each component of a display device (100). The display device (100) may include a broadcast receiving unit (110), an external device interface unit (171), a network interface unit (172), a storage unit (140), a user input interface unit (173), an input unit (130), a control unit (180), a display module (150), an audio output unit (160), and / or a power supply unit (190).

[0036] The broadcast receiving unit (110) may include a tuner unit (111) and a demodulator unit (112).

[0037] Meanwhile, unlike the drawing, the display device (100) may include only the external device interface unit (171) and the network interface unit (172) among the broadcast receiving unit (110), the external device interface unit (171), and the network interface unit (172). That is, the display device (100) may not include the broadcast receiving unit (110).

[0038] The tuner unit (111) can select a broadcast signal corresponding to a channel selected by the user or all previously stored channels among broadcast signals received through an antenna (not shown) or a cable (not shown). The tuner unit (111) can convert the selected broadcast signal into an intermediate frequency signal or a baseband video or audio signal.

[0039] For example, the tuner unit (111) can convert the selected broadcast signal into a digital IF signal (DIF) if it is a digital broadcast signal, and can convert it into an analog baseband video or audio signal (CVBS / SIF) if it is an analog broadcast signal. That is, the tuner unit (111) can process a digital broadcast signal or an analog broadcast signal. The analog baseband video or audio signal (CVBS / SIF) output from the tuner unit (111) can be directly input to the control unit (180).

[0040] Meanwhile, the tuner unit (111) can sequentially select broadcast signals of all stored broadcast channels through the channel memory function among the received broadcast signals and convert them into intermediate frequency signals or baseband video or audio signals.

[0041] Meanwhile, the tuner unit (111) may be equipped with multiple tuners to receive broadcast signals of multiple channels. Alternatively, a single tuner that simultaneously receives broadcast signals of multiple channels is also possible.

[0042] The demodulation unit (112) can perform a demodulation operation by receiving a digital IF signal (DIF) converted by the tuner unit (111). The demodulation unit (112) can output a stream signal (TS) after performing demodulation and channel decoding. At this time, the stream signal can be a signal in which a video signal, an audio signal, or a data signal is multiplexed.

[0043] The stream signal output from the demodulation unit (112) can be input to the control unit (180). The control unit (180) can perform demultiplexing, image / audio signal processing, etc., and then output an image through the display module (150) and output an audio through the audio output unit (160).

[0044] The sensing unit (120) refers to a device that detects changes within the display device (100) or external changes. For example, it may include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, a touch sensor, an infrared sensor (IR sensor), an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (e.g., a camera), a voice sensor (e.g., a microphone), a battery gauge, and an environmental sensor (e.g., a hygrometer, a thermometer, etc.).

[0045] The control unit (180) can check the status of the display device (100) based on the information collected from the sensing unit (120), and if a problem occurs, can notify the user of it or control it to maintain the best status by adjusting it on its own.

[0046] In addition, the content, picture quality, size, etc. of the image provided to the display module (150) can be controlled differently depending on the viewer detected by the sensing unit (120) or the surrounding lighting, etc., to provide an optimal viewing environment. As smart TVs advance, the functions installed in the display device (100) are increasing, and the sensing unit (120) is also increasing along with this.

[0047] The input unit (130) may be provided on one side of the main body of the display device (100). For example, the input unit (130) may include a touch pad, a physical button, etc. The input unit (130) may receive various user commands related to the operation of the display device (100) and transmit a control signal corresponding to the input command to the control unit (180).

[0048] Recently, as the size of the bezel of the display device (100) has become smaller, the number of display devices (100) with a minimal input unit (130) in the form of a physical button exposed to the outside has increased. Instead, a minimum number of physical buttons are positioned on the back or side, and user input can be received through a remote control device (200) via a touchpad or a user input interface unit (173) described later.

[0049] The storage unit (140) may store programs for each signal processing and control within the control unit (180), or may store signal-processed video, audio, or data signals. For example, the storage unit (140) may store application programs designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by the control unit (180), and may selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request from the control unit (180).

[0050] Programs stored in the storage unit (140) are not particularly limited as long as they can be executed by the control unit (180). The storage unit (140) may also perform a function for temporarily storing video, audio, or data signals received from an external device through the external device interface unit (171). The storage unit (140) may store information regarding a specific broadcast channel through a channel memory function such as a channel map.

[0051] Although the storage unit (140) of FIG. 1 is provided separately from the control unit (180), the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the storage unit (140) may be included within the control unit (180).

[0052] The storage unit (140) may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.) or non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

[0053] The display module (150) can generate a driving signal by converting a video signal, data signal, OSD signal, control signal, etc. processed by the control unit (180) or a video signal, data signal, control signal, etc. received from the interface unit (171).

[0054] The display module (150) can be a flexible display, and may also be a 3D display. The 3D display module (150) can be divided into a glasses-free type and a glasses type.

[0055] The display module (150) may include a coupling magnet, a first power supply unit, and a first signal module.

[0056] The side of the display module (150) that displays an image may be referred to as the front or front. When the display module (150) displays an image, the side from which the image cannot be observed may be referred to as the rear or back. Meanwhile, the display module (150) is configured as a touch screen and can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0057] The audio output unit (160) receives a signal processed by the control unit (180) and outputs it as voice.

[0058] The interface unit (170) serves as a passageway for various types of external devices connected to the display device (100). The interface unit may include not only a wired method for transmitting and receiving data through a cable, but also a wireless method using an antenna.

[0059] The interface unit (170) may include at least one of a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module, an audio I / O (Input / Output) port, a video I / O (Input / Output) port, and an earphone port.

[0060] As an example of a wireless method, the broadcast receiving unit (110) described above may be included, and may include not only broadcast signals but also mobile communication signals, short-range communication signals, wireless Internet signals, etc.

[0061] The external device interface unit (171) can transmit or receive data with a connected external device. To this end, the external device interface unit (171) may include an A / V input / output unit (not shown).

[0062] The external device interface unit (171) can be connected to external devices such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), Blu-ray, game device, camera, camcorder, computer (laptop), set-top box, etc., via wired / wireless connection, and can also perform input / output operations with the external devices.

[0063] In addition, the external device interface unit (171) can establish a communication network with various remote control devices (200), and receive a control signal related to the operation of the display device (100) from the remote control device (200), or transmit data related to the operation of the display device (100) to the remote control device (200).

[0064] The external device interface unit (171) may include a wireless communication unit (not shown) for short-range wireless communication with other electronic devices. Through this wireless communication unit (not shown), the external device interface unit (171) can exchange data with an adjacent mobile terminal. In particular, in mirroring mode, the external device interface unit (171) can receive device information, running application information, application images, etc. from the mobile terminal.

[0065] The network interface unit (172) may provide an interface for connecting the display device (100) to a wired / wireless network, including the Internet. For example, the network interface unit (172) may receive content or data provided by the Internet, a content provider, or a network operator via a network. Meanwhile, the network interface unit (172) may include a communication module (not shown) for connection to a wired / wireless network.

[0066] The external device interface unit (171) and / or the network interface unit (172) may include a communication module for short-range communication such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, and NFC (Near Field Communication), a communication module for cellular communication such as LTE (long-term evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advance), CDMA (code division multiple access), WCDMA (wideband CDMA), UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system), and WiBro (Wireless Broadband).

[0067] The user input interface unit (173) can transmit a signal input by the user to the control unit (180), or transmit a signal from the control unit (180) to the user. For example, it can transmit / receive a user input signal such as power on / off, channel selection, screen setting, etc. from a remote control device (200), or transmit a user input signal input from a local key (not shown) such as a power key, a channel key, a volume key, a setting value, etc. to the control unit (180), or transmit a user input signal input from a sensor unit (not shown) that senses a user's gesture to the control unit (180), or transmit a signal from the control unit (180) to the sensor unit.

[0068] The control unit (180) may include at least one processor, and may control the overall operation of the display device (100) using the processor included therein. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or another hardware-based processor.

[0069] The control unit (180) can demultiplex a stream input through a tuner unit (111), a demodulator unit (112), an external device interface unit (171), or a network interface unit (172), or process demultiplexed signals to generate and output a signal for video or audio output.

[0070] The image signal processed by the control unit (180) can be input to the display module (150) and displayed as an image corresponding to the image signal. In addition, the image signal processed by the control unit (180) can also be input to an external output device through the external device interface unit (171).

[0071] The voice signal processed in the control unit (180) can be output as sound to the audio output unit (160). In addition, the voice signal processed in the control unit (180) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface unit (171). Although not shown in FIG. 2, the control unit (180) may include a demultiplexing unit, an image processing unit, etc.

[0072] In addition, the control unit (180) can control the overall operation within the display device (100). For example, the control unit (180) can control the tuner unit (111) to select (tuning) a broadcast corresponding to a channel selected by the user or a previously stored channel.

[0073] In addition, the control unit (180) can control the display device (100) by a user command or an internal program input through the user input interface unit (173). Meanwhile, the control unit (180) can control the display module (150) to display an image. At this time, the image displayed on the display module (150) may be a still image or a moving image, and may be a 2D image or a 3D image.

[0074] Meanwhile, the control unit (180) can cause a predetermined 2D object to be displayed within an image displayed on the display module (150). For example, the object can be at least one of a connected web screen (newspaper, magazine, etc.), an EPG (Electronic Program Guide), various menus, widgets, icons, still images, videos, and text.

[0075] Meanwhile, the control unit (180) may modulate and / or demodulate a signal using the Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) method. Here, the Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) method may mean a method of modulating a signal by varying the amplitude of a carrier wave according to a data value, or of restoring an analog signal to a digital data value according to the amplitude of the carrier wave.

[0076] For example, the control unit (180) can modulate a video signal using the amplitude shift keying (ASK) method and transmit it through a wireless communication module.

[0077] For example, the control unit (180) can demodulate and process an image signal received through a wireless communication module using the amplitude shift keying (ASK) method.

[0078] Through this, the display device (100) can easily transmit and receive signals with other adjacently placed video display devices without using a unique identifier such as a MAC address (Media Access Control Address) or a complex communication protocol such as TCP / IP.

[0079] Meanwhile, the display device (100) may further include a camera (not shown). The camera can capture images of the user. The camera can be implemented with a single camera, but is not limited thereto, and may also be implemented with multiple cameras. Meanwhile, the camera can be embedded in the display device (100) above the display module (150) or can be separately positioned. Image information captured by the camera can be input to the control unit (180).

[0080] The control unit (180) can recognize the user's location based on the image captured by the camera. For example, the control unit (180) can determine the distance (z-axis coordinate) between the user and the display device (100). In addition, the control unit (180) can determine the x-axis coordinate and y-axis coordinate within the display module (150) corresponding to the user's location.

[0081] The control unit (180) can detect the user's gesture based on the image captured from the camera unit, or the signal detected from the sensor unit, or a combination thereof.

[0082] The power supply unit (190) can supply power to the entire display device (100). In particular, it can supply power to a control unit (180) that can be implemented in the form of a system on chip (SOC), a display module (150) for displaying images, and an audio output unit (160) for outputting audio.

[0083] Specifically, the power supply unit (190) may be equipped with a converter (not shown) that converts AC power into DC power and a Dc / Dc converter (not shown) that converts the level of DC power.

[0084] Meanwhile, the power supply unit (190) receives power from an external source and distributes power to each component. The power supply unit (190) may utilize a method of supplying AC power by directly connecting to an external power source, or may include a power supply unit (190) that can be recharged and used, including a battery.

[0085] The former requires a wired cable connection, making movement difficult or limited. The latter offers freedom of movement, but increases weight and volume by the battery. Charging requires a direct connection to a power cable or a charging cradle (not shown) for a set period of time.

[0086] The charging cradle can be connected to the display device through an externally exposed terminal, or the built-in battery can be charged when brought into proximity using a wireless method.

[0087] The remote control device (200) can transmit user input to the user input interface unit (173). To this end, the remote control device (200) can use Bluetooth, RF (Radio Frequency) communication, infrared (Infrared Radiation) communication, UWB (Ultra-wideband), ZigBee, etc. In addition, the remote control device (200) can receive video, audio, or data signals output from the user input interface unit (173) and display or output the same as audio on the remote control device (200).

[0088] Meanwhile, the above-described display device (100) may be a digital broadcast receiver capable of receiving fixed or mobile digital broadcasts.

[0089] Meanwhile, the block diagram of the display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 is only a block diagram for one embodiment of the present invention, and each component of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specifications of the display device (100) actually implemented.

[0090] That is, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be subdivided into two or more components, as needed. Furthermore, the functions performed by each block are intended to illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and their specific operations or devices do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0091] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a view of a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above, showing a flexible display panel (151) in a bent state. Figs. 4 and 5 are drawings for explaining the driving of a driving unit (220) in a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. And Fig. 6 is a drawing illustrating a cover bracket (211) of a back cover (210) in a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Hereinafter, in describing a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the left-right direction will be described based on the x-axis direction, the up-down direction will be described based on the y-axis direction, and the forward and backward directions will be described based on the z-axis direction.

[0093] A display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a flexible display panel (151), a back cover (210), and a driving unit (220). First, the back cover (210) may be positioned on the back surface of the flexible display panel (151). Here, the back cover (210) may cover the entire back surface of the flexible display panel (151). In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the back cover (210) may cover a portion of the back surface and portions of both side surfaces of the flexible display panel (151). In this case, the back cover (210) may be positioned at the center in the vertical direction (y-axis direction) on the back surface of the flexible display panel (151).

[0094] And the driving unit (220) can be rotatably coupled to the back surface and back cover (210) of the flexible display panel (151). In particular, the driving unit (220) can play a role in converting the flexible display panel (151) into a curved state or a flat state. Referring to FIG. 2, (a) of FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a case where the flexible display panel (151) is unfolded and in a flat state, and (b) of FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a case where the flexible display panel (151) is in a curved state.

[0095] This is because, as described above, a curved display with a certain curvature can enhance the user's sense of immersion, and when the display is spread out flat, it can be more convenient to watch the video when multiple people watch it together.

[0096] Therefore, the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention aims to improve the user's sense of immersion through a structure in which the flexible display panel (151) can be converted into a curved state or a flat state.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5 together, in a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a driving unit (220) may include a pinion gear (221), a pair of link bridges (222), and a pair of link members (223). Additionally, the driving unit (220) may include a driving motor (224) mounted on a back cover (210) and driving the pinion gear (221).

[0098] Here, the pinion gear (221) may be positioned at the front center of the back cover (210). In addition, a pair of link bridges (222) may have a rack (2221) formed on one side thereof that meshes with the pinion gear (221), and may move in a horizontal direction (x-axis direction) when the pinion gear (221) is driven. In addition, a pair of link members (223) may have one end rotatably coupled to the other side of the link bridge (222), and the other end rotatably coupled to the back surface of the flexible display panel (151).

[0099] Through this, a pair of link bridges (222) can move in a horizontal direction (x-axis direction) and play a role of changing the angle of a pair of link members (223). And, a pair of link members (223) can play a role of pushing or pulling the back surface of the flexible display panel (151) as the angle changes. In addition, a pair of link members (223) can move and rotate in a horizontal direction (x-axis direction) together with the movement of a pair of link bridges (222).

[0100] That is, a pair of link members (223) can push the back surface of the flexible display panel (151) to convert the flexible display panel (151) into a curved state. In addition, a pair of link members (223) can pull the back surface of the flexible display panel (151) to convert the flexible display panel (151) into a flat state.

[0101] In particular, it is important that the flexible display panel (151) be bent to have a constant curvature when transitioning to a bent state. Otherwise, screen distortion may occur, hindering the user's sense of immersion and preventing the implementation of the present invention's effect of enhancing the user's sense of immersion.

[0102] To this end, in the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the link member (223) may include a first link (2231) and a second link (2232). Here, one end of the first link (2231) may be rotatably coupled to the other end edge portion (222a) of the link bridge (222). And, one end of the second link (2232) may be rotatably coupled to the other end middle portion (222b) of the link bridge (222) at a distance from one end of the first link (2231).

[0103] In addition, the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first rotation pin (230) that passes through one end of the first link (2231) and the other edge portion (222a) of the link bridge (222). And, it may include a second rotation pin (240) that passes through one end of the second link (2232) and the other end middle portion (222b) of the link bridge (222). That is, the first link (2231) and the second link (2232) may rotate when the link bridge (222) moves through the first rotation pin (230) and the second rotation pin (240).

[0104] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the other end of the first link (2231) may be positioned at the rear edge of the flexible display panel (151). And the other end of the second link (2232) may be positioned spaced inward from the other end of the first link (2231).

[0105] Accordingly, the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can move a pair of link bridges (222) in a horizontal direction (x-axis direction) by driving a pinion gear (221) located at the front center of the back cover (210). In addition, by moving the pair of link bridges (222), a pair of first links (2231) and a pair of second links (2232) can be rotated simultaneously.

[0106] That is, a pair of link bridges (222) can act as an intermediate for simultaneously driving a pair of first links (2231) and a pair of second links (2232). Through this, the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can operate all other components by driving only one pinion gear (221).

[0107] Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the structure of the driving unit (220) that converts the flexible display panel (151) into a curved or flat state can be simplified. In addition, by simplifying the structure of the driving unit (220), the thickness of the back cover (210) on which the driving unit (220) is mounted can be reduced, thereby pursuing slimming of the display device (100) of the present invention.

[0108] In addition, the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can transmit uniform force to the left and right of the flexible display panel (151) through a pair of link bridges (222), a pair of first links (2231), and a pair of second links (2232) that are symmetrically positioned in the left and right direction (x-axis direction) with a pinion gear (221) positioned at the center of the front of the back cover (210). Through this, when the flexible display panel (151) is bent, damage due to uneven force transmission to the left and right can be prevented. In addition, the flexible display panel (151) can be bent with a constant curvature.

[0109] In addition, in the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the other end of the first link (2231) may be positioned at the rear edge of the flexible display panel (151), and the other end of the second link (2232) may be positioned spaced inward from the other end of the first link (2231). This is to allow the flexible display panel (151) to be bent with a constant curvature because the flexible display panel (151) is formed to be long in the horizontal direction (x-axis direction).

[0110] That is, the link bridge (222) acts as an intermediate unit that simultaneously drives the first link (2231) and the second link (2232), and the first link (2231) and the second link (2232), which are positioned spaced apart from each other, are driven, and the flexible display panel (151) formed long in the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) can be bent to have a constant curvature.

[0111] And, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 together, in the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) length (L1) of the first link (2231) may be longer than the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) length (L2) of the second link (2232). This is because, as described above, the first link (2231) is positioned closer to the back cover (210) and the rear edge of the flexible display panel (151) than the second link (2232). Through this, the flexible display panel (151) can be bent with a constant curvature.

[0112] Additionally, referring to FIG. 4, in a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the link bridge (222) may be formed to be long in the horizontal direction (x-axis direction). Accordingly, in order for the second link (2232) located at the other end portion (222b) of the link bridge (222) to operate smoothly, the second link (2232) may be arranged in pairs above and below the other end portion (222b) of the link bridge (222).

[0113] In addition, by arranging the second link (2232) as a pair above and below the other end stop (222b) of the link bridge (222), the second link (2232) and the other end stop (222b) of the link bridge (222) can be prevented from overlapping. In addition, this can prevent the display device (100) of the present invention from becoming thicker in the front-back direction (z-axis direction).

[0114] In addition, referring to FIGS. 4 to 6 together, in a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a back cover (210) may include a cover bracket (211) that covers a pinion gear (221) and a pair of link bridges (222) and exposes a link member (223). In addition, the cover bracket (211) may be formed in a horizontal direction (x-axis direction) on the upper and lower surfaces, and may include a first guide hole (2111) into which a first rotation pin (230) is introduced, and a second guide hole (2112) into which a second rotation pin (240) is introduced.

[0115] As described above, by driving the pinion gear (221), a pair of link bridges (222) move in the horizontal direction (x-axis direction), and a pair of link members (223) move and rotate in the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) together with the movement of the pair of link bridges (222). At this time, the first guide hole (2111) and the second guide hole (2112) formed in the cover bracket (211) can guide the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) movement area of ​​the first link (2231) and the second link (2232). That is, the first rotation pin (230) can slide along the first guide hole (2111), and the second rotation pin (240) can slide along the second guide hole (2112).

[0116] In addition, the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an elastic member arranged in a horizontal direction (x-axis direction) at an end of the first guide hole (2111) or the second guide hole (2112). In addition, the elastic member may be in contact with the first rotation pin (230) or the second rotation pin (240), and may reduce a force that may be applied to the first link (2231) or the second link (2232) when the flexible display panel (151) is converted to a bent state or a flat state, thereby preventing damage.

[0117] In addition, the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) length of the first guide hole (2111) and the second guide hole (2112) formed in the cover bracket (211) in the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed to correspond to the size of the flexible display panel (151). That is, the length may be formed to be appropriate for the movement area of ​​the first link (2231) and the second link (2232) for bending the flexible display panel (151) at a constant curvature.

[0118] In summary, the display device according to the present invention can enhance user immersion through a link structure that allows the flexible display panel to be converted into a curved or flat state. Furthermore, by ensuring that the flexible display panel is bent to a consistent curvature, screen distortion can be prevented.

[0119] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Flexible display panel; A back cover positioned on the back of the flexible display panel; and A driving unit is rotatably coupled to the back surface of the flexible display panel and the back cover, and converts the flexible display panel into a curved state or a flat state. The above driving part, A pinion gear located at the front center of the above back cover; A pair of link bridges having a rack formed on one side to mesh with the pinion gear and moving horizontally when the pinion gear is driven; and A display device including a pair of link members, one end of which is rotatably coupled to the other end of the link bridge and the other end of which is rotatably coupled to the back surface of the flexible display panel.

2. In paragraph 1, The above pair of link bridges, Moving in the horizontal direction and changing the angle of the pair of link members, The above pair of link members are, A display device characterized by pushing or pulling the back surface of the flexible display panel as the angle changes.

3. In paragraph 2, The above pair of link members are, A display device characterized by moving in the horizontal direction together with the movement of the pair of link bridges.

4. In paragraph 1, The above link absence is, A first link coupled to the other edge of the link bridge; and A display device characterized in that it includes a second link that is spaced apart from one end of the first link and is coupled to the other end of the link bridge.

5. In paragraph 4, The second link above is, A display device characterized in that a pair is arranged above and below the other end of the link bridge.

6. In paragraph 4, The other end of the first link is located at the rear edge of the flexible display panel, A display device characterized in that the other end of the second link is positioned spaced inwardly from the other end of the first link.

7. In paragraph 6, A display device, characterized in that the horizontal length of the first link is longer than the horizontal length of the second link.

8. In paragraph 4, A first rotary pin penetrating one end of the first link and the other edge of the link bridge; and A display device characterized by including a second rotary pin penetrating one end of the second link and the other end of the link bridge.

9. In paragraph 8, The above back cover, A display device characterized by including a cover bracket that covers the pinion gear and the pair of link bridges and exposes the link member.

10. In paragraph 9, The above cover bracket is, A display device characterized by comprising a first guide hole formed in the horizontal direction on the upper and lower surfaces and into which the first rotation pin is introduced, and a second guide hole into which the second rotation pin is introduced.

11. In paragraph 1, The above driving part, A display device characterized by including a driving motor that drives the pinion gear.

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