Display device

Abstract

Disclosed is a display device. The display device according to the present disclosure may include: a flexible display panel; a flexible plate which is located at the rear of the display panel and to which the display panel is coupled; a rack positioned at the rear of the plate and extending in the longitudinal direction; a shaft extending in a direction intersecting the rack; a pinion fixed to the shaft and engaged with the rack; a slider configured to reciprocate along the shaft; and a link having one end connected to the slider and the other end adjacent to one side of the plate so as be connected to the plate, wherein the rack is movable in the longitudinal direction of the rack.

Description

display device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a display device capable of changing the curvature of a display panel.

[0002] As the information society develops, the demand for display devices is also increasing in various forms, and in response to this, various display devices such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display Device), ELD (Electro luminescent Display), VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display), and OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) are being researched and used in recent years.

[0003] Among these, OLED panels display images by depositing a self-luminous organic layer on a substrate formed with a transparent electrode. OLED panels are not only thin but can also be flexible. Much research is being conducted on the structural characteristics of display devices equipped with such OLED panels.

[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0005] Another purpose may be to provide a display device in which the curvature of the display panel can be freely changed.

[0006] Another purpose may be to provide a structure that allows a user to manually change the curvature of the display panel.

[0007] Another purpose may be to provide a structure of links that can effectively bend the display panel.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above or other purposes, a display device may include: a flexible display panel; a flexible plate positioned at the rear of the display panel and to which the display panel is coupled; a rack positioned at the rear of the plate and extending elongatedly; a shaft extending in a direction crossing the rack; a pinion fixed to the shaft and engaged with the rack; a slider capable of reciprocating along the shaft; and a link having one end connected to the slider and the other end adjacent to one side of the plate and connected to the plate, wherein the rack may be capable of moving in the longitudinal direction of the rack.

[0009] The effects of the display device according to the present disclosure are described as follows.

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device capable of freely changing the curvature of a display panel can be provided.

[0011] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a structure can be provided that allows a user to manually change the curvature of a display panel.

[0012] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a structure of a link capable of effectively bending a display panel can be provided.

[0013] Further scope of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

[0014] Figures 1 to 17 are drawings illustrating examples of display devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] 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 are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0016] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing specifications, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0017] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the 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 disclosure.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The direction indications of up (U), down (D), left (Le), right (Ri), front (F), and back (R) shown in the drawings are only for convenience of explanation, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited thereby.

[0023] Hereinafter, an OLED panel (Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel) is used as an example for the display panel, but the display panel applicable to the present disclosure is not limited to an OLED panel.

[0024]

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device (100, 200) may include a head (100) having a display panel (110). The display panel (110) may form the front surface of the head (100) and may display an image forward. The head (100) may be referred to as a display (100) or a display unit (100).

[0026] The head (100) may include a first long side (LS1), a second long side (LS2) opposite the first long side (LS1), a first short side (SS1) adjacent to the first long side (LS1) and the second long side (LS2), and a second short side (SS2) opposite the first short side (SS1). Meanwhile, for convenience of explanation, the lengths of the first and second long sides (LS1, LS2) are illustrated and described as being longer than the lengths of the first and second short sides (SS1, SS2), but it may also be possible for the lengths of the first and second long sides (LS1, LS2) to be approximately equal to the lengths of the first and second short sides (SS1, SS2).

[0027] The direction parallel to the long sides (LS1, LS2) of the head (100) may be referred to as the left-right direction. The direction parallel to the short sides (SS1, SS2) of the head (100) may be referred to as the up-down direction. The direction perpendicular to the long sides (LS1, LS2) and short sides (SS1, SS2) of the head (100) may be referred to as the front-back direction.

[0028] The direction in which the head (100) displays an image may be referred to as the forward (F, z), and the opposite direction may be referred to as the backward (R). The first short side (SS1) may be referred to as the right (Ri), and the second short side (SS2) may be referred to as the left (Le, x). The first long side (LS1) may be referred to as the upper side (U, y), and the second long side (LS2) may be referred to as the lower side (D).

[0029] The first long side (LS1), the second long side (LS2), the first short side (SS1), and the second short side (SS2) may be referred to as edges of the head (100). The point where the first long side (LS1), the second long side (LS2), the first short side (SS1), and the second short side (SS2) meet each other may be referred to as a corner.

[0030] The point where the first short side (SS1) and the first long side (LS1) meet may be the first corner (C1). The point where the first long side (LS1) and the second short side (SS2) meet may be the second corner (C2). The point where the second short side (SS2) and the second long side (LS2) meet may be the third corner (C3). The point where the second long side (LS2) and the first short side (SS1) meet may be the fourth corner (C4).

[0031] A stand (200) of a display device (100, 200) can support a head (100). The stand (200) can include a base (200a) and a stem (200b). The base (200a) can be placed on a table or a flat floor. The stem (200b) can be adjacent to the rear end of the base (200a) and extend upward from the base (200b). The stem (200b) can be positioned at the rear of the head (100) and can be coupled to the head (100). The stem (200b) can be referred to as a pillar (200b), a pole (200b), or a body (200b). Accordingly, the stand (200) can support the head (100).

[0032] For example, electronic components such as a main board, a power supply board, a speaker, etc. can be installed inside the stem (200b) and electrically connected to the head (100) of the display device (100, 200).

[0033]

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the plate (120) of the head (100) may be flexible. For example, the plate (120) may be a metal plate. The plate (120) may be referred to as a flexible plate (120), a frame (120), or a module cover (120). The display panel (110) may be positioned in front or on the front side of the plate (120). The display panel (110) and the plate (120) may be coupled to each other. The display panel (110) may be flexible. For example, the display panel (110) may be an OLED panel.

[0035] The display panel (110) can provide the front surface of the head (100) of the display device (100, 200) and can display an image. The display panel (110) can display an image by dividing the image into a plurality of pixels and adjusting the color, brightness, and saturation of each pixel. The display panel (110) can generate light corresponding to the color of red, green, or blue according to a control signal.

[0036] The head (100) may have a variable curvature. The left and right sides of the head (100) may move forward. For example, when viewing an image from the front of the head (100), the head (100) may be concavely curved. In this case, the plate (120) may be bent with the same curvature as the display panel (110). Alternatively, the display panel (110) may be bent corresponding to the curvature of the plate (120).

[0037]

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear frame (131) can be coupled to the rear of the plate (120). The rear frame (131) can be extended in a vertical direction. The rear frame (131) can be fixed to the center of the rear of the plate (120). The links (131a, 131b, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137) can be extended in a direction intersecting the rear frame (131) and can be coupled to the rear of the plate (120). The links (131a, 131b, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137) may be referred to as bendable links (131a, 131b, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137). The links (131a, 131b, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137) may include a connector (131a, 131b, connector), an arm (132, 133, arm), a holder (134, 135, holder), and a bridge (136, 137, bridge).

[0039] A pair of connectors (131a, 131b) may be opposite each other with respect to the rear frame (131). The connector (131a) may be located on the left side of the rear frame (131) and may be adjacent to the rear frame (131). The connector (131a) may be referred to as a left connector (131a) or a first connector (131a). The connector (131b) may be located on the right side of the rear frame (131) and may be adjacent to the rear frame (131). The connector (131b) may be referred to as a right connector (131b) or a second connector (131b).

[0040] The arm (132) may be connected to the connector (131a) and may extend from the rear frame (131) toward the left side of the plate (120). The arm (132) may be referred to as a left arm (132). The arm (132) may include a first arm (132a), a second arm (132b), and a third arm (132c) that are connected to each other. One end (i.e., the right end) of the first arm (132a) may be pivotally connected to the connector (131a). One end (i.e., the right end) of the second arm (132b) may be pivotally connected to the other end (i.e., the left end) of the first arm (132a). One end (i.e., the right end) of the third arm (132c) may be pivotally connected to the other end (i.e., the left end) of the second arm (132b). The gap between the plate (120) and the third arm (132c) may be smaller than the gap between the plate (120) and the second arm (132b). The gap between the plate (120) and the second arm (132b) may be smaller than the gap between the plate (120) and the first arm (132a).

[0041] The holder (134) may be positioned between the arm (132) and the plate (120) and may be fixed to the rear of the plate (120). The holder (134) may be referred to as a left holder (134). The first holder (134a) may be positioned correspondingly between the first arm (132a) and the second arm (132b) and may be fixed to the rear of the plate (120). The second holder (134b) may be positioned correspondingly between the second arm (132b) and the third arm (132c) and may be fixed to the rear of the plate (120). The third holder (134c) may be positioned correspondingly to the end of the third arm (132c) and may be fixed to the rear of the plate (120).

[0042] A bridge (136) may be positioned between the arm (132) and the holder (134) and may connect the arm (132) and the holder (134). The bridge (136) may be referred to as a left bridge (136). One end (i.e., the rear end) of the first bridge (136a) may be pivotally coupled to the other end (i.e., the left end) of the first arm (132a) and one end (i.e., the right end) of the second arm (132b), and the other end (i.e., the front end) of the first bridge (136a) may be pivotally coupled to the first holder (134a). One end (i.e., the rear end) of the second bridge (136b) may be pivotally coupled to the other end (i.e., the left end) of the second arm (132b) and one end (i.e., the right end) of the third arm (132c), and the other end (i.e., the front end) of the second bridge (136b) may be pivotally coupled to the second holder (134b). The length of the second bridge (136b) may be shorter than the length of the first bridge (136a). The other end (i.e., the left end) of the third arm (132c) may be pivotally coupled to the third holder (134c). Alternatively, the third bridge may be positioned between the third arm (132c) and the third holder (134c), and may be pivotally coupled to the third arm (132c) and the third holder (134c). At this time, the length of the third bridge may be shorter than the length of the second bridge (136b).

[0043] The first to third arms (132a, 132b, 132c) may be arch-shaped arms overall.

[0044] The arm (133) may be connected to the connector (131b) and may extend from the rear frame (131) toward the right side of the plate (120). The arm (133) may be referred to as a right arm (133). The arm (133) may include a first arm (133a), a second arm (133b), and a third arm (133c) that are connected to each other. One end (i.e., the left end) of the first arm (133a) may be pivotally connected to the connector (131b). One end (i.e., the left end) of the second arm (133b) may be pivotally connected to the other end (i.e., the right end) of the first arm (133a). One end (i.e., the left end) of the third arm (133c) may be pivotally connected to the other end (i.e., the right end) of the second arm (133b). The gap between the plate (120) and the third arm (133c) may be smaller than the gap between the plate (120) and the second arm (133b). The gap between the plate (120) and the second arm (133b) may be smaller than the gap between the plate (120) and the first arm (133a).

[0045] The holder (135) can be positioned between the arm (133) and the plate (120) and can be fixed to the rear of the plate (120). The holder (135) can be referred to as a right holder (135). The first holder (135a) can be positioned correspondingly between the first arm (133a) and the second arm (133b) and can be fixed to the rear of the plate (120). The second holder (135b) can be positioned correspondingly between the second arm (133b) and the third arm (133c) and can be fixed to the rear of the plate (120). The third holder (135c) can be positioned correspondingly to the end of the third arm (133c) and can be fixed to the rear of the plate (120).

[0046] A bridge (137) may be positioned between the arm (133) and the holder (135) and may connect the arm (133) and the holder (135). The bridge (137) may be referred to as a right bridge (137). One end (i.e., the rear end) of the first bridge (137a) may be pivotally coupled to the other end (i.e., the right end) of the first arm (133a) and one end (i.e., the left end) of the second arm (133b), and the other end (i.e., the front end) of the first bridge (137a) may be pivotally coupled to the first holder (135a). One end (i.e., the rear end) of the second bridge (137b) can be pivotally coupled to the other end (i.e., the right end) of the second arm (133b) and one end (i.e., the left end) of the third arm (133c), and the other end (i.e., the front end) of the second bridge (137b) can be pivotally coupled to the second holder (135b). The length of the second bridge (137b) can be shorter than the length of the first bridge (137a). The other end (i.e., the right end) of the third arm (133c) can be pivotally coupled to the third holder (135c). Alternatively, the third bridge can be positioned between the third arm (133c) and the third holder (135c), and can be pivotally coupled to the third arm (133c) and the third holder (135c). At this time, the length of the third bridge may be shorter than the length of the second bridge (137b).

[0047] The first to third arms (133a, 133b, 133c) may be arch-shaped arms overall.

[0048] The description of the left links (131a, 132, 134, 136) can be equally applied to the right links (131b, 133, 135, 137). The left links (131a, 132, 134, 136) and the right links (131b, 133, 135, 137) can be symmetrical with respect to the rear frame (131). The left links (131a, 132, 134, 136) can be referred to as first links (131a, 132, 134, 136), and the right links (131b, 133, 135, 137) can be referred to as second links (131b, 133, 135, 137).

[0049]

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the first arm (132a) can pivot relative to the first connector (131a).

[0051] The first bridge (136a) can pivot on the first holder (134a) and can pivot about the first and second arms (132a, 132b). The second bridge (136b) can pivot on the second holder (134b) and can pivot about the second and third arms (132b, 132c). The third arm (132c) can pivot about the third connector (134c).

[0052] The first connector (131a) and the second connector (131b) can move in opposite directions. The first connector (131a) and the second connector (131b) can move away from the rear frame (131) or toward the rear frame (131).

[0053] In response to the movement of the first connector (131a) and the second connector (131b) away from the rear frame (131), the first to third arms (132a, 132b, 132c) of the left link can move to the left (x-axis direction of FIG. 7) while pivoting clockwise (based on FIG. 7), and the first to third arms (133a, 133b, 133c, see FIG. 4) of the right link can move to the right while pivoting counterclockwise (based on FIG. 7), and as a result, the plate (120) can be bent (see FIG. 6). The pivoting and movement of the arms (132a, 133a, 132b, 133b, 132c, 133c) corresponding to the displacement (D) of the connectors (131a, 131b) can provide a force (M) that bends the plate (120). The force resulting from the movement of the connectors (131a, 131b) can be referred to as thrust.

[0054] In response to the movement of the first connector (131a) and the second connector (131b) approaching the rear frame (131), the first to third arms (132a, 132b, 132c) of the left link can pivot counterclockwise (based on FIG. 7) and move to the right (in the opposite direction to the x-axis of FIG. 7), and the first to third arms (133a, 133b, 133c, see FIG. 4) of the right link can pivot clockwise (based on FIG. 7) and move to the left, whereby the plate (120) can be unfolded. The plate (120) can be bent and elastically deformed, and can be unfolded and restored. The display panel (110, see FIG. 4) can be bent or unfolded together with the plate (120). Meanwhile, an inner frame having elasticity can be placed between the display panel (110, see FIG. 4) and the plate (120), and the inner frame can be bent and elastically deformed, and can be stretched and restored.

[0055]

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the stand (200) may include a base (200a), a stem (200b), and a neck (200c). The base (200a) may be placed on the ground. The stem (200b) may extend upward from the base (200a). For example, the stem (200b) may be inclined at a certain angle from the vertical direction toward the head (100) (see FIG. 10). The neck (200c) may extend from the upper portion of the stem (200b) toward the head (100). The neck (200c) may be adjacent to the central portion of the head (100) (i.e., the rear frame (131)) and may be coupled to the rear of the head (100). Accordingly, the stand (200) may support the head (100).

[0057] The mount wall (240) can be mounted inside the stem (200b) of the stand (200). The mount wall (240) can extend in a direction parallel to the front part (200b1) of the stem (200b) and can be coupled to the rear of the front part (200b1). The mount wall (240) can be placed between the side parts (200b2, 200b3) of the stem (200b). The mount wall (240) can include a first part (241), a second part (242), a first guide rib (243), a second guide rib (244), a cover (245), a first supporter (246), and a second supporter (247).

[0058] The first part (241) and the second part (242) may extend along the front part (200b1) of the stem (200b) and may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the front part (200b1). A gap may be formed between the first part (241) and the second part (242).

[0059] The first guide rib (243) may be bent rearward from one side of the first part (241) toward the second part (242). The first guide rib (243) may be extended along the first part (241). The first guide rib (243) may be a single rib that is extended long, or may include a plurality of ribs spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the first part (241).

[0060] The second guide rib (244) may be bent rearward from one side of the second part (242) facing the first part (241). The second guide rib (244) may extend along the second part (242). The second guide rib (244) may be a single rib that extends long, or may include a plurality of ribs spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the second part (242).

[0061] The first and second guide ribs (243, 244) may be arranged facing each other or staggered. A gap may be formed between the first guide rib (243) and the second guide rib (244).

[0062] The cover (245) can connect the rear end of the first guide rib (243) and the rear end of the second guide rib (244). The cover (245) can be extended along the first and second guide ribs (243, 244). The cover (245) can face the front part (200b1) of the stem (200b). The cover (245) can be a single, elongated cover, or can include a plurality of covers spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the first and second guide ribs (243, 244).

[0063] The first supporter (246) can be bent backward from the bottom of the first part (241). The second supporter (247) can be bent backward from the bottom of the second part (242).

[0064] The manual banding mechanism (140) may include a mount bracket (141), a shaft (142), a pinion (143), a rack (144), a slider (145, 146), a protrusion (147), and an elastic member (148).

[0065] The mount bracket (141) can be adjacent to the upper portion of the mount wall (240) and can be coupled to the rear of the mount wall (240). The mount bracket (141) can include a first side part (1411), a second side part (1412), and a center part (1413). The first side part (1411) can be coupled to the rear of the first part (241) of the mount wall (240), and the second side part (1412) can be coupled to the rear of the second part (242) of the mount wall (240). The center part (1413) can connect the first side part (1411) and the second side part (1412), and can have a rearwardly convex C shape. The first part (1413a) can form the left side of the center part (1413), the second part (1413b) can form the right side of the center part (1413), and the third part (1413c) can connect the first part (1413a) and the second part (1413b) and form the back side of the center part (1413).

[0066] The first guide pins (1414a, 1414b, pins) can be fixed to the first part (1413a) of the center part (1413) and can be spaced apart from each other. The first guide pins (1414a, 1414b) can protrude to the left from the first part (1413a).

[0067] The second guide pins (1415a, 1415b, pins) can be fixed to the second part (1413b) of the center part (1413) and can be spaced apart from each other. The second guide pins (1415a, 1415b) can protrude to the right from the second part (1413b).

[0068] The shaft (142) may be elongated, and threads may be formed on the side surface of the shaft (142). The shaft (142) may pass through the first and second parts (1413a, 1413b) of the center part (1413). The first guide pins (1414a, 1414b) may be opposite to each other with respect to the shaft (142). The second guide pins (1415a, 1415b) may be opposite to each other with respect to the shaft (142). The longitudinal direction of the shaft (142) may be the same as the longitudinal direction of the first and second pins (1414a, 1414b, 1415a, 1415b). The shaft (142) may be elongated in the horizontal direction. The shaft (142) may be referred to as a rotating member (142). The shaft (142) may be a lead screw (142) or a ball screw (142).

[0069] The pinion (143) may be fixed to the shaft (142). The pinion (143) may be formed on the side of the shaft (142). The pinion (143) may be located at the center of the shaft (142). The pinion (143) may be located between the first portion (142a) and the second portion (142b) of the shaft (142). The direction of the screw thread formed in the first portion (142a) may be opposite to the direction of the screw thread formed in the second portion (142b).

[0070] The rack (144) can be positioned between the first guide rib (243) and the second guide rib (244), and can extend along the first and second guide ribs (243, 244). The rack (144) can be inserted between the front part (200b1) of the stem (200b) and the cover (245) of the mount wall (240). The front of the rack (144) can be positioned on the rear side of the front part (200b1), and the cover (245) can be adjacent to the rear side of the rack (144). The length of the rack (144) can be shorter than the length of the gap between the first and second guide ribs (243, 244). The rack (144) can move up and down in the gap. The pinion (143) can mesh with a gear (144G) formed on the rear side of the rack (144). The gear (144G) of the rack (144) can be formed on at least a portion of the rear side of the rack (144). The gear (144G) of the rack (144) can be formed on the upper portion of the rear side of the rack (144). The mount bracket (141) can cover the pinion (143) and a portion of the rack (144).

[0071] The first slider (145) can face the first part (1413a) of the center part (1413), and the shaft (142) and the first guide pins (1414a, 1414b) can pass through the first slider (145). The screw threads formed on the side surface of the first part (142a) of the shaft (142) can engage with the screw threads formed on the inner surface of the hole (145h) of the first slider (145) through which the shaft (142) passes. The first connector (131a) can be fixed to the first slider (145). The first guide pins (1414a, 1414b) can pass through the first connector (131a), and the first slider (145) and the first connector (131a) can move along the first guide pins (1414a, 1414b). The first connector (131a) and the first slider (145) may be formed as one body.

[0072] The second slider (146) can face the second part (1413b) of the center part (1413), and the shaft (142) and the second guide pins (1415a, 1415b) can pass through the second slider (146). The screw threads formed on the side surface of the second part (142b) of the shaft (142) can engage with the screw threads formed on the inner surface of the hole (146h) of the second slider (146) through which the shaft (142) passes. The second connector (131b) can be fixed to the second slider (146). The second guide pins (1415a, 1415b) can pass through the second connector (131b), and the second slider (146) and the second connector (131b) can move along the second guide pins (1415a, 1415b). The second connector (131b) and the second slider (146) may be formed as one body.

[0073] The pinion (143) and the shaft (142) can be rotated in the first rotational direction (RD1) by the downwardly moving rack (144). Correspondingly, the first slider (145) and the first connector (131a) can be moved away from the center part (1413) along the shaft (142) and the first guide pins (1414a, 1414b). In addition, the second slider (146) and the second connector (131b) can be moved away from the center part (1413) along the shaft (142) and the second guide pins (1415a, 1415b).

[0074] The pinion (143) and the shaft (142) can be rotated in a second rotational direction (RD2) opposite to the first rotational direction (RD1) by the upwardly moving rack (144). Correspondingly, the first slider (145) and the first connector (131a) can be moved along the shaft (142) and the first guide pins (1414a, 1414b) in a direction closer to the center part (1413). In addition, the second slider (146) and the second connector (131b) can be moved along the shaft (142) and the second guide pins (1415a, 1415b) in a direction closer to the center part (1413).

[0075] The protrusion (147) may be adjacent to the bottom of the rack (144) and may protrude from the rack (144). The protrusion (147) may be a part of the rack (144). The protrusion (147) may protrude rearwardly from the rack (144) and may extend horizontally. In the longitudinal direction of the rack (144), the protrusion (147) may overlap the cover (245). The protrusion (147) may be referred to as a bottom (147) or a tab (147).

[0076] The elastic member (148) can support the protrusion (147) on the mount wall (240). One end of the elastic member (148) can be fixed on the mount wall (240), and the other end of the elastic member (148) can be fixed to the protrusion (147). The elastic member (148) can be a spring that can be stretched in the longitudinal direction of the rack (144). The first elastic member (148a) can be fixed to the first supporter (246) and the first portion of the protrusion (147) between the first supporter (246) and the first portion of the protrusion (147). The second elastic member (148b) can be fixed to the second supporter (247) and the second portion of the protrusion (147) between the second supporter (247) and the second portion of the protrusion (147). The elastic member (148) can provide elasticity to the rack (144).

[0077]

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, a portion (144A) of the rack (144) may be exposed to the outside through a hole in the front part (200b1) of the stem (200b). The portion (144A) may be the lower portion of the rack (144). A protrusion (144P) may protrude from the portion (144A) and may be referred to as a handle (144P). A user may hold the protrusion (144P) to move the rack (144) up and down.

[0079] When the user moves the rack (144) upward (see M2 in FIG. 10), the elastic member (148) fixed to the rack (144) via the protrusion (147) can be lengthened and elastically deformed. In addition, in response to the rise of the rack (144), the pinion (143) can rotate in the second rotational direction (RD2), and in response, the sliders (145, 146) and the connectors (131a, 131b) can come closer to the center part (1413) and the rear frame (131) (see FIG. 8). In response to the movement of the connectors (131a, 131b) approaching the center part (1413) and the rear frame (131), the arms (132a, 133a, 132b, 133b, 132c, 133c) can pivot and move, and the plate (120) and the display panel (110) can unfold.

[0080] The elastic force of the flattened plate (120) may be greater than the restoring force of the elastic member (148) that has been elastically deformed. That is, the restoring force of the elastic member (148) may be insufficient to bend the plate (120) by lowering the rack (144), and the plate (120) and the display panel (110) may be maintained in the unfolded state even when the user releases the protrusion (144P).

[0081]

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, when a user moves the rack (144) downward (see M1 of FIG. 13), the elastic member (148) fixed to the rack (144) through the protrusion (147) can be shortened and elastically restored. That is, the restoring force of the elastic member (148) can assist the motion of the user moving the rack (144) downward. In addition, in response to the lowering of the rack (144), the pinion (143) can rotate in the first rotational direction (RD1), and in response, the sliders (145, 146) and the connectors (131a, 131b) can move away from the center part (1413) and the rear frame (131) (see FIG. 8). In response to the movement of the connectors (131a, 131b) toward the center part (1413) and the rear frame (131), the arms (132a, 133a, 132b, 133b, 132c, 133c) can pivot and move, and the plate (120) and the display panel (110) can bend.

[0083] The restoring force of the bent plate (120) may be insufficient to move the rack (144) upward and deform the elastic member (148), and the bent state of the plate (120) and the display panel (110) may be maintained even if the user releases the protrusion (144P).

[0084]

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, in response to the movement of the connector (131a) away from the rear frame (131), the first to third arms (132a, 132b, 132c) of the left link can pivot clockwise and move to the left (x-axis direction), thereby bending the plate (120). The pivoting and movement of the first to third arms (132a, 132b, 132c) in response to the displacement (D) of the connector (131A) can provide a force (M) that bends the plate (120).

[0086] The first bridge (136a) can pivot on the first holder (134a) and can pivot about the first and second arms (132a, 132b). The second bridge (136b) can pivot on the second holder (134b) and can pivot about the second and third arms (132b, 132c). The third arm (132c) can pivot about the third connector (134c).

[0087] The angle (theta 3, see FIG. 16) between the plate (120) and the first bridge (136a) may be an acute angle, and the angle (theta 4, see FIG. 16) between the plate (120) and the second bridge (136b) may also be an acute angle. The angle between the plate (120) and the bridges (136a, 136b) may be defined between the plate (120) and one side of the bridges (136a, 136b) toward the center of the plate (120). In this case, the arms (132a, 132b, 132c) may be advantageous in effectively distributing the load of the plate (120) compared to the case where the angle between the plate (120) and the bridges (136a, 136b) is an obtuse angle, and as a result, the arms (132a, 132b, 132c) may effectively bend the plate (120).

[0088] Referring to FIG. 17, the angle (theta 5, theta 6) between the flat plate (120) and the bridges (136a, 136b) may be 90 degrees. In this case, the angle (theta 7, theta 8) between the curved plate (120) and the bridges (136a, 136b) may be an obtuse angle, and it may be difficult for the arms (132a, 132b, 132c) to effectively distribute the load of the plate (120).

[0089] Referring to FIG. 16, the angle (theta 1, theta 2) between the flat plate (120) and the bridges (136a, 136b) may be an acute angle. In this case, the angle (theta 3, theta 4) between the curved plate (120) and the bridges (136a, 136b) may be an acute angle, and the arms (132a, 132b, 132c) can effectively distribute the load of the plate (120), and as a result, the arms (132a, 132b, 132c) can effectively bend the plate (120).

[0090]

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 17, a display device may include: a flexible display panel; a flexible plate positioned at the rear of the display panel and to which the display panel is coupled; a rack positioned at the rear of the plate and extending elongatedly; a shaft extending in a direction intersecting the rack; a pinion fixed to the shaft and engaged with the rack; a slider capable of reciprocating along the shaft; and a link having one end connected to the slider and the other end adjacent to one side of the plate and connected to the plate, wherein the rack may be capable of moving in the longitudinal direction of the rack.

[0092] The display device may further include a stand coupled to the plate between the plate and the rack, wherein the rack may be movably coupled to the stand.

[0093] The rack may include a handle protruding from the rack and exposed to the outside of the stand.

[0094] The display device may further include: a mount bracket fixed to the stand; and pins protruding from the mount bracket in the longitudinal direction of the shaft and opposite to each other with respect to the shaft, wherein the shaft may include a screw thread formed on a side surface of the shaft, and the slider may have a hole through which the shaft passes and engages with the screw thread, and may be penetrated by the pins.

[0095] The display device may further include: a protrusion protruding from the rack adjacent to the bottom of the rack; and an elastic member supporting the protrusion on the stand.

[0096] The above elastic member can be deformed when the plate is flattened, and the elastic force of the flat plate can be greater than the restoring force of the deformed elastic member.

[0097] The restoring force of the elastic member can be applied to the rack in a direction that lowers the rack, and the link can bend the plate and the display panel in response to the lowering of the rack.

[0098] The plate may include: a first side; and a second side opposite the first side, and the slider may include: a first slider; and a second slider that moves opposite to the first slider, and the link may include: a first link having one side connected to the first slider and the other side adjacent to the first side of the plate and connected to the plate; and a second link having one side connected to the second slider and the other side adjacent to the second side of the plate and connected to the plate.

[0099] The link may include: a connector fixed to the slider; and a plurality of arms sequentially arranged from the connector toward the one side of the plate and pivotally connected to each other.

[0100] The plurality of arms may include: a first arm having one end pivotally connected to the connector; a second arm having one end pivotally connected to the other end of the first arm; and a third arm having one end pivotally connected to the other end of the second arm and the other end pivotally connected to the plate.

[0101] The display device may further include: a first holder positioned correspondingly between the first arm and the second arm and fixed to the rear surface of the plate; a second holder positioned correspondingly between the second arm and the third arm and fixed to the rear surface of the plate; a third holder positioned correspondingly to the end of the third arm and fixed to the rear surface of the plate, the third arm being pivotally connected; a first bridge having one end pivotally connected to the first and second arms and the other end pivotally connected to the first holder; and a second bridge having one end pivotally connected to the second and third arms and the other end pivotally connected to the second holder.

[0102] The length of the second bridge may be shorter than the length of the first bridge, and the gap between the second arm and the plate may be smaller than the gap between the first arm and the plate, and greater than the gap between the third arm and the plate.

[0103] The angle between the plate and the first bridge and the angle between the plate and the second bridge can both be acute angles.

[0104] The angle between the flat plate and the first bridge and the angle between the flat plate and the second bridge can both be acute angles.

[0105] The display device may further include: a stand supporting the display panel and the plate, the stand including: a base forming a bottom; and a stem extending upward from the base and inclined from a vertical direction toward the rear of the plate, the rack extending along the stem and being movably coupled to the stem.

[0106]

[0107] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0108] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0109] 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 flexible plate located at the rear of the display panel and to which the display panel is coupled; A rack extending long and located at the rear of the above plate; A shaft extending in a direction intersecting the above rack; A pinion fixed to the shaft and meshing with the rack; A slider capable of reciprocating movement along the above shaft; and A link having one side connected to the slider and the other side adjacent to one side of the plate and connected to the plate, The above rack, A display device capable of moving in the longitudinal direction of the above rack.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a stand coupled to the plate between the plate and the rack, The above rack, A display device movably coupled to the above stand.

3. In paragraph 2, The above rack: A display device comprising a handle protruding from the rack and exposed to the outside of the stand.

4. In paragraph 2, A mount bracket fixed to the above stand; and, Further comprising pins protruding from the mount bracket in the longitudinal direction of the shaft and opposite to each other with respect to the shaft, The above shaft: including screw threads formed on the side of the shaft; The above slider is, A display device having a hole through which the shaft passes and engages with the screw thread, and which is penetrated by the pins.

5. In paragraph 2, A protrusion protruding from the rack adjacent to the bottom of the rack; and A display device further comprising an elastic member supporting the protrusion on the stand.

6. In paragraph 5, The above elastic member is, When the above plate is flattened, it becomes deformed, The elasticity of the flat plate is, A display device having a restoring force greater than that of the deformed elastic member.

7. In paragraph 6, The restoring force of the above elastic member is, is applied to the rack in the direction of lowering the rack, The above link is, A display device that bends the plate and the display panel in response to the lowering of the rack.

8. In paragraph 1, The above plate: A first side; and a second side opposite to the first side, The above slider: a first slider; and a second slider that moves opposite to the first slider, The above link is: A first link having one side connected to the first slider and the other side connected to the plate adjacent to the first side of the plate; and A display device comprising a second link, one side of which is connected to the second slider, and the other side of which is adjacent to the second side of the plate and connected to the plate.

9. In paragraph 1, The above link is: a connector fixed to the above slider; and, A display device comprising a plurality of arms sequentially arranged from the connector toward the one side of the plate and pivotally connected to each other.

10. In paragraph 9, The above multiple cancers are: A first arm pivotally connected to the above connector; A second arm pivotally connected to the other end of the first arm; and A display device comprising a third arm, the other end of which is pivotally connected to the second arm, and the other end of which is pivotally connected to the plate.

11. In paragraph 10, A first holder positioned correspondingly between the first arm and the second arm and fixed to the rear surface of the plate; A second holder positioned correspondingly between the second arm and the third arm and fixed to the rear surface of the plate; A third holder positioned corresponding to the end of the third arm, fixed to the rear of the plate, and to which the third arm is pivotally connected; A first bridge having one end pivotally connected to the first and second arms and the other end pivotally connected to the first holder; and A display device further comprising a second bridge, one end of which is pivotally connected to the second and third arms, and the other end of which is pivotally connected to the second holder.

12. In paragraph 11, The length of the above second bridge is, shorter than the length of the first bridge above, The gap between the second arm and the plate is A display device having a gap smaller than the gap between the first arm and the plate and larger than the gap between the third arm and the plate.

13. In paragraph 11, A display device wherein the angle between the plate and the first bridge and the angle between the plate and the second bridge are both acute angles.

14. In paragraph 13, A display device wherein the angle between the flat plate and the first bridge and the angle between the flat plate and the second bridge are both acute angles.

15. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a stand supporting the display panel and the plate, The above stand: The base that forms the bottom; and, a stem extending upward from the base and inclined from the vertical direction toward the rear of the plate; The above rack, A display device extending along the stem and movably coupled to the stem.

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