KR102007426B1 - Foldable display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable display device and, more specifically, to a foldable display device capable of preventing damage to a display panel by safely supporting a portion where a display panel is repeatedly folded and unfolded. According to the present invention, the foldable display device comprises: a case having an upper surface to which a flexible display panel is fixed and configured to fold left and right; a seating groove formed in the case; an upper support plate fixed to the seating groove to be bent in a semicircular shape when the case is folded and supporting the bottom surface of the flexible display panel; and a lower support plate inserted into the seating groove to be positioned below the upper support plate, moved in the seating groove by being bent in the semicircular shape when the case is folded, and supporting the bottom surface of the upper support plate.

Description

Foldable Display Device {FOLDABLE DISPLAY DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a foldable display device, and more particularly, to a foldable display device capable of stably supporting a portion in which a display panel is repeatedly folded and unfolded, thereby preventing damage to the display panel.

As the display technology is developed, various display devices such as a foldable display device and a transparent display device are being developed. The foldable display device can be folded or used according to a user's use situation, thereby effectively reducing the volume of the electronic device.

The foldable display device may be implemented in the form of an organic electroluminescent display, a liquid crystal display, or the like. For example, in a conventional liquid crystal display device and an organic electroluminescent display device, a foldable display device can be manufactured using a flexible material such as replacing an organic substrate with a plastic film. In addition, in the existing liquid crystal display device and the organic electroluminescent display device, the foldable display device can be manufactured using a flexible material at least in the folded portion.

Such foldable display devices are applied to various fields. For example, in the field of e-books, which can replace publications such as magazines, textbooks, books, and comics, miniature PCs that can be folded or rolled up, and new portable IT products such as smart cards with real-time information. The foldable display device may be applied. On the other hand, it is required to develop an interface that can take advantage of the advantages while reflecting the characteristics of the foldable display device.

In the conventional foldable display device, a hinge structure is installed in an area where the display panel is folded.

However, since a hinge generally used is formed to be rotatable to a connection portion between two display panels, when the display panel is folded, the inner and outer surfaces of the display panel in the folded area are extended to different lengths. That is, the outer surface of the display panel is subjected to a stronger tension than the inner surface.

Therefore, the conventional foldable display device has a problem that the display panel is damaged by repeatedly generating a strong tensile force and a compressive force in the folded portion every time the display panel is folded.

Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0057500 (published May 25, 2017) Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0087008 (published Jul. 27, 2017)

The present invention to solve the above problems is a flexible display panel is fixed to the upper surface, the case is configured to fold left and right; A seating groove formed in the case; An upper support plate fixed to the seating groove to be bent in a semicircular shape when the case is folded to support a bottom surface of the flexible display panel; And, it is inserted into the seating groove so as to be located on the lower side of the upper support plate is bent in a semi-circular shape when the case is folded and move in the seating groove, a foldable comprising a lower support plate for supporting the lower surface of the upper support plate Provided is a display device.

At the center of the case may be formed of a material having an elastic side cover may be formed so that the case 100 can be folded or unfolded.

And. The upper support plate supports a lower surface of the central portion in which the flexible display panel is folded, a first bending portion that is bent in a semicircular shape when the case is folded, and a first connection portion connected to left and right sides of the bending portion to support left and right lower surfaces of the flexible display panel. It can be made, including two horizontal plates.

In addition, the bending part may include a first bending plate of a flexible material contacting a lower surface of the flexible display panel and a lower side of the first bending plate, and a plurality of horizontal protrusions formed on the lower surface at a predetermined interval. It may be made of a bending plate.

In addition, a second fastening hole may be formed in the first and second horizontal plates, and a fixing pillar may be formed in the seating groove to be inserted into the second fastening hole and coupled to the first and second horizontal plates.

Meanwhile, the lower support plate may include a plurality of rotation blocks rotatably connected to each other, and third and fourth horizontal plates rotatably connected to rotation blocks positioned at left and right ends thereof, respectively.

The rotary block may be connected to a neighboring rotary block by a first link, and a through hole in which a shaft for rotation is inserted may be formed in the center of the rotary block.

In addition, the third and fourth horizontal plates may be connected by rotating blocks at both ends and the second link, and a through hole may be formed at one side thereof to insert a shaft for rotation.

In addition, the lower side surface of the rotary block is formed to be perpendicular to the upper surface formed horizontally, the upper side surface is formed to be rounded at an angle, the lower surface side of the third and fourth plates connected to the rotating block is also horizontal It is formed to be perpendicular to the top surface is formed, the upper side portion may be formed to be a certain angle round.

In addition, the side of the rotary block and the side of the third and fourth plates facing the side may be formed with projections and grooves to be engaged with each other to prevent the idle when rotating.

In addition, a plurality of stopper brackets are vertically installed at regular intervals at a lower portion of the first and second horizontal plates, and a plurality of third and fourth horizontal plates are connected to the rotating block at regular intervals, and the stopper bracket May be inserted and positioned between the third horizontal bracket and the fourth horizontal bracket.

In addition, a first fastening hole may be formed in the first and second horizontal plates, and a fastening protrusion inserted into the first fastening hole may be formed at an upper end of the stopper bracket.

In addition, a plurality of stopper holes may be formed in the stopper bracket, and ball stoppers may be installed in the third and fourth horizontal plates to be selectively coupled to the stopper holes to fix the case at a predetermined angle.

The ball stopper may include a spring installed inside the third and fourth horizontal plates, a spring guide pressurized by the spring, and a ball pushed out by the spring guide to contact the stopper bracket. .

In addition, a second fastening hole is formed in the first and second horizontal plates, and a fixing column is formed in the seating groove to be inserted into the second fastening hole and coupled to the first and second horizontal plates. The horizontal plate may be formed with a guide hole through which the fixing pillar formed in the seating groove passes.

On the other hand, the seating groove may be formed with a latching jaw is fixed to the end of the second link when the case is folded.

The foldable display device according to the present invention prevents damage to the flexible display panel by installing an upper support plate, a lower support plate, a side cover, and the like on a portion where the flexible display panel is folded so that the flexible display panel can be stably folded and unfolded. The foldable display device can be operated stably and robustly.

1 to 5 are perspective views illustrating a state in which upper and lower support plates and a flexible display panel are assembled in a case according to the present invention.
6 is a diagram continuously illustrating a process of folding or unfolding a foldable display device according to the present invention.
7 is a view showing the structure of the foldable display device in an unfolded state according to the present invention.
FIG. 8A is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 7, (B) is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 7, and (C) is a sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9A is a sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. 7, (B) is a sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. 7, and (C) is a sectional view taken along the line FF of FIG. 7.
FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 7 in a folded state of the foldable display device, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 7.
11 is a view showing in more detail the structure of the upper and lower support plates in the unfolded case according to the invention.
12 to 14 are perspective views showing a process in which the stopper bracket is installed on the first and second horizontal plates according to the present invention.
15 is a perspective view showing a lower surface structure of the first and second horizontal plates to which the stopper bracket according to the present invention is assembled.
16 is a perspective view showing a state in which bolts are fastened to the first and second horizontal plates according to the present invention.
17 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first and second horizontal plates are assembled to the bending part according to the present invention.
18 is a perspective view showing a bottom structure of a lower support plate according to the present invention.
19 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the lower support plate according to the present invention, Figure 20 is a view showing the structure of the lower support plate in a folded state according to the present invention, Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the lower support plate according to the present invention 22 is an exploded perspective view of a rotating block according to the present invention.
23 is a view showing another embodiment of a rotating block according to the present invention.
24 is a view showing a coupling structure of the upper and lower support plates in the unfolded state of the foldable display device according to the present invention.
25 is a view showing a coupling structure of the upper and lower support plates in the folded state foldable display device according to the present invention.
26 is a view showing in more detail the structure of the ball stopper installed in the third and fourth horizontal plates according to the present invention.
27 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly jig in which the lower support plate is assembled according to the present invention.
28 to 30 is a perspective view showing a process of assembling the lower support plate in the assembly jig according to the present invention.
31 to 33 is a view showing a process of coupling the upper support plate to the lower support plate using the assembly jig according to the present invention.
34 and 35 are perspective views illustrating another embodiment of the foldable display device according to the present invention.
36 and 37 are exploded perspective views showing in more detail the structure of the shaft guide and side rotation guide according to the present invention.
38 is a view showing an operating state of the shaft guide when the foldable display device according to the present invention is folded or unfolded.
39 is a view illustrating an operation state of the side rotation guide when the foldable display device according to the present invention is folded or unfolded.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the above object can be specifically realized is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing the present embodiment, the same name and the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration and additional description thereof will be omitted below.

1 to 5 are perspective views illustrating a state in which upper and lower support plates and a flexible display panel are assembled in a case according to the present invention.

6 is a diagram continuously illustrating a process of folding or unfolding a foldable display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a structure in an unfolded state of the foldable display device according to the present invention. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 7, and FIG. 7B is a line BB of FIG. 7. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 7, (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. 7, and (B) is a cut along the line EE of FIG. 7. It is sectional drawing, (C) is sectional drawing of the cut part along the FF line of FIG.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 7 in a folded state of the foldable display device, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG.

11 is a view showing in more detail the structure of the upper and lower support plates in the unfolded case according to the invention.

1 to 11, the foldable display device according to the present invention includes a case 100, a seating groove 200, an upper support plate 300, and a lower support plate 400.

As shown in FIG. 5, the case 100 has a flexible display panel 10 fixed to an upper surface thereof, and a side cover 110 is installed at a central portion thereof so that the left and right sides can be folded.

The side cover 110 divides the case 100 from side to side, and is made of a material having elasticity so that the case 100 is stretched or compressed as the case 100 is folded or unfolded. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the side cover 110 is compressed by the elasticity when the case 100 is folded, the inner portion is compressed, the outer portion is bent in a semicircular shape, and the inner portion when the case 100 is unfolded. Both the outer portion and the horizontal portion make the case 100 horizontally and completely unfolded.

The side cover 110 may be installed in the case 100 through a bonding method such as double-sided tape or heat fusion after injection molding for waterproofing and dustproof at the connection portion with the case 100.

The seating groove 200 is formed to a predetermined depth in the case 100 so that the upper support plate 300 and the lower support plate 400 can be inserted.

The upper support plate 300 is fixed to the seating groove 200 to bend in a semicircular shape when the case 100 is folded to support the lower surface of the flexible display panel 10, the lower support plate 400 is Inserted into the seating groove 200 to be positioned below the upper support plate 300 is bent in a semicircular shape when the case 100 is folded to support the bottom of the upper support plate 300.

Here, the upper surface of the upper support plate 300 fixed to the seating groove 200 and the upper surface of the case 100 to which the flexible display panel 10 is fixed are horizontal. Therefore, when the flexible display panel 10 is fixed to the upper surface of the case 100, the upper surface of the upper support plate 300 naturally adheres to the lower surface of the flexible display panel 10.

The structure of the upper support plate 300 and the lower support plate 400 will be described in more detail below.

12 to 14 are perspective views showing a process in which the stopper brackets are installed on the first and second horizontal plates according to the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a bottom structure of the first and second horizontal plates to which the stopper brackets are assembled according to the present invention. It is a perspective view showing.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which bolts are fastened to first and second horizontal plates according to the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating first and second horizontal plates assembled to a bending part according to the present invention.

18 is a perspective view showing a bottom structure of a lower support plate according to the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the upper support plate 300 includes a bending part 310 and first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330.

The bending part 310 is bent in a semi-circular shape when the case 100 is folded, and horizontally supports the case 100 when the case 100 is unfolded, thereby stably supporting the lower surface of the central portion in which the flexible display panel 10 is folded.

The bending part 310 is coupled to the first bending plate 311 and the first bending plate 311, and the second bending plate 312 having a plurality of horizontal protrusions 312a formed at a predetermined interval on a lower surface thereof. )

The first bending plate 311 serves to smoothly bend and unfold the upper support plate 300 when the case 100 is folded, and the second bending plate 312 has a horizontal protrusion when the case 100 is unfolded. It is flattened by 312a) so that the first bending plate 311 is horizontal.

The first bending plate 311 may be manufactured by insert-injecting a flexible material having elasticity, and the second bending plate 312 may be formed on the lower surface of the first bending plate 311 so as to be stably leveled when unfolded. It can be manufactured by injecting a hard material.

In addition, the first bending plate 311 is attached to the lower surface of the flexible display panel 10 with an adhesive tape T to be bent and unfolded at the same curvature as the flexible display panel 10. Can be.

The first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330 are connected to the left and right sides of the bending part 310, respectively, to stably support the left and right lower surfaces of the flexible display panel 10.

In detail, the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330 are horizontal to the bending part 310 when the bending part 310 is unfolded, and the bending part 310 is bent when the bending part 310 is bent in a semicircular shape. Fold to the center and face each other.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, a plurality of stopper brackets 500 are vertically installed at regular intervals below the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330. To this end, a first fastening hole 322 is formed in the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330, and a fastening protrusion 510 inserted into the first fastening hole 322 is formed at an upper end of the stopper bracket 500. Is formed.

12 and 13, the fastening protrusion 510 is inserted into the first fastening hole 322 and then cocked by laser welding or a press jig to be fixed to the first fastening hole 322. In this case, when the fastening protrusion 510 fixed to the first fastening hole 322 protrudes to the upper surfaces of the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330, the flexible display panel 10 disposed on the upper surfaces of the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330. ) May be damaged. Accordingly, the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330 may be provided with installation grooves 321 having a predetermined depth, and first coupling holes 322 may be formed in the installation grooves 321 to form the first coupling holes 322. The fastening protrusion 510 inserted into and fixed to the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330 does not protrude to the upper surfaces of the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, when the stopper bracket 500 is fixed to the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330, the mounting groove 321 may be flush with the upper surfaces of the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330. The first cover 350 is installed to allow the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330 to stably support the lower surface of the flexible display panel 10.

A plurality of stopper holes 520 are formed in the stopper bracket 500. When the case 100 is folded, the stopper hole 520 is coupled to the ball stopper 600 of the lower support plate 400 to be described below, so that the case 100 is fixed at an angle. The role of the stopper bracket 500 will be described in more detail when the ball stopper 600 is described below.

15 and 18, guide grooves 331 for installing Fpcb (flexible PCB) for signal transmission are provided on the lower surfaces of the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330 and the second bending plates 312. Is formed.

In addition, the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330 are inserted into the seating recesses 200 and fixed to the case 100.

To this end, second fastening holes 340 are formed in the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330, and the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330 are inserted into the second fastening holes 340 in the seating groove 200. Fixed column 210 is formed to be coupled to).

The fixing column 210 has a thread formed therein, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 16, when the bolt B is fastened to the fixing column 210 through the second fastening hole 340, the first, 2 horizontal plates 320 and 330 are fixed to the case 100.

At this time, the fixing column 210 is coupled to the upper support plate 300 through the lower support plate 400, for this purpose, the third and fourth horizontal play (420, 430) of the lower support plate 400 of the fixed column 210 Guide holes 421 and 431 are formed at positions corresponding to the positions (see FIG. 19). The guide holes 421 and 431 serve to limit the moving range of the lower support plate 400, which will be described below. ) Will be explained in more detail.

Meanwhile, similar to the fastening protrusion 510 described above, when the head of the bolt B protrudes to the upper surfaces of the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330, the flexible display panel 10 may be damaged, and thus, the second fastening hole 340. ), A groove into which the head portion of the bolt B can be inserted is dug and also covered by a second cover 341 parallel to the upper surfaces of the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330 after the bolt B is completed. Jim is preferable.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1, the mounting groove 200 may be formed with a fastening groove 220 is inserted into the stopper bracket 500 is coupled to the lower surface of the first and second horizontal plates (320,330). In this case, when fixing the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330 to the seating groove 200, the lower end of the stopper bracket 500 is inserted into the fastening groove 220 formed in the seating groove 200 and then bolts B. Since fastening can be performed, not only the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330 can be quickly positioned at the correct fastening positions, but also the fastening of the bolts B can be performed more quickly.

19 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the lower support plate according to the present invention, Figure 20 is a view showing the structure of the lower support plate in a folded state according to the present invention, Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the lower support plate according to the present invention 22 is an exploded perspective view of a rotating block according to the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, the lower support plate 400 includes a plurality of rotating blocks 410 and third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430.

The plurality of rotating blocks 410 are rotatably interconnected. To this end, the rotating block 410 is connected by a neighboring rotating block 410 and the first link (L1), the through hole 411 through which the shaft (S) is inserted is formed in the center, respectively. When the shaft S is inserted into the through hole 411 of the rotating block 410, the rotation block 410 may rotate about the shaft S when the case 100 is folded.

Here, a pair of holes may be formed in the first link L1 to communicate with the through holes 411 of two neighboring rotary blocks 410, respectively. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 21, when the through holes 411 of the rotation block 410 are aligned in a line with the holes of the first link L1, the shaft S is pushed into the first link L1. Adjacent rotating blocks 410 are rotatably connected to each other.

The rotation block 410 may have a structure in which a plurality of unit units having different lengths are connected by one shaft S. In this case, the rotation block may be properly installed by installing a first link L1 between each unit unit. 410 is interconnected.

The third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 are rotatably connected to the rotary blocks 410 located at the left and right ends thereof, respectively. To this end, the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 are connected by the rotation blocks 410 and the second link L2 at both ends, and through holes 422 and 432 in which the shaft S is inserted are formed at one side thereof. . When the shaft S is inserted into the through holes 422 and 432 of the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430, the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 may rotate about the shaft S when the case 100 is folded. Can be.

Here, the second link (L2) is to be formed in the hole communicating with the through-holes 422,432 of the third and fourth horizontal plates (420,430), and the hole communicating with the through-hole 411 of the rotary block 410, respectively Can be. Accordingly, the through holes 422 and 432 of the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 and the through holes 411 of the rotating block 410 connected to the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 are connected to the second link L2. After aligning each of the formed pair of holes and pushing the shaft S, the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 are rotatably connected to the rotary blocks 410 at both ends by the second link L2, respectively. do.

The plurality of rotating blocks 410 and the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 are horizontally spread flat when the case 100 is unfolded, and when the case 100 is folded, a semicircular shape is formed around the rotating block 410. Bent to

To this end, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 24, the lower side end portion R1 of the rotation block 410 is formed to be perpendicular to the upper end surface R3 formed horizontally, and the upper side end portion R2 has a predetermined angle round. Is formed. In addition, the lower ends of the side surfaces of the third and fourth plates connected to the rotary block 410 are also formed to be perpendicular to the upper surfaces formed horizontally, and the upper sides of the side surfaces are formed to be rounded at an angle.

Therefore, when the case 100 is spread out horizontally, the side lower ends R1 of the rotating blocks 410 are in contact with each other, and at the same time, the lower end sides of the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 of the rotary blocks 410 are formed. The lower support plate 400 is horizontal in contact with the lower side of the side surface R1, and thus the upper support plate 300 positioned on the upper surface of the lower support plate 400 is also horizontal to stabilize the lower surface of the flexible display panel 10. Will be supported.

In addition, when the case 100 is folded, each of the rotating blocks 410 and the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 rotate about the shaft S, so that the rounded side upper end portions R2 of the neighboring rotating blocks 410 are rotated. ) Contact with each other and at the same time the rotary block 410 of the left and right ends and the rounded side upper end portions of the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 are in contact with each other and the lower support plate 400 is bent in a semicircular shape as shown in FIG. 20.

Here, the angles of the rotating block 410 and the upper side portion R2 of the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 are adjusted according to the number of the rotating blocks 410 connected thereto. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8C and 11, four rotation blocks 410 are connected by the first link L1, and the third rotation block 410 is connected to the rotation blocks 410 at both ends by the second link L2. , When the four horizontal plates 420 and 430 are connected, the total of five angles between neighboring rotary blocks 410 and between the rotary blocks 410 at both ends and the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 is 180 °. It becomes 36 degrees so that respectively. Accordingly, the side upper end portions R2 of the respective rotation blocks 410 and the side upper end angles of the third and fourth plates are respectively 18 °.

23 is a view showing another embodiment of a rotating block according to the present invention.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 23, the rotation block 410 is connected between the rotation block 410 and the rotation block 410 when two and the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 are connected to each rotation block 410. The angles between the 410 and the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 are 60 ° so that the sum is 180 °. Accordingly, the side upper end portions R2 of the respective rotation blocks 410 and the side upper end angles of the third and fourth plates are 30 °, respectively.

On the other hand, the side of the rotation block 410 and the side of the third and fourth plates facing the side of the rotation block 410, the projections (S1) and grooves (S2) that are engaged with each other in order to prevent idleness during rotation Each can be formed.

24 is a view showing a coupling structure of the upper and lower support plates in the unfolded state of the foldable display device according to the present invention.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 24, the lower base plate 400 in the unfolded state of the weight of the electrical appliances built in the case 100 and the connection of the rotary block 410 and the third and fourth horizontal plates (420,430) Due to minute tolerances, etc., the lower base plate 400 may be unfolded by 180 ° or more.

In this case, not only the upper support plate 300 supported by the lower support plate 400, but also the flexible display panel 10 supported by the upper support plate 300 may be bent at 180 ° or more, and thus the rotation block 410 may mutually be damaged. Tolerance or insert the implant (P) to the area where the contact or the rotating block 410 and the third and fourth horizontal plates (420,430) contact so that the lower backing plate 400 only extends up to 180 °. .

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 are each rotated by a second link L2 to the rotating blocks 410 located at both ends at a predetermined interval. Connected. In this case, when the upper support plate 300 is fixed to the seating groove 200, the plurality of stopper brackets 500 installed below the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330 may be the third horizontal plate 420 or the fourth horizontal plate. Passing between the plates 430 is inserted into the fastening groove 220 formed in the seating groove 200.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 may be selectively coupled to a plurality of stopper holes 520 formed in the stopper bracket 500 to fold or unfold the case 100. When the ball stopper 600 is fixed to a certain angle is installed.

25 is a view showing in more detail the structure of the ball stopper installed in the third and fourth horizontal plates according to the present invention, Figure 26 is a view showing a coupling structure of the upper and lower support plates in the folded state foldable display device according to the present invention. .

As illustrated in FIG. 25, the ball stopper 600 includes a spring 610 installed in the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430, a spring guide 620, and a ball 630. The spring 610 elastically pushes the spring guide 620 so that the spring guide 620 pushes the ball 630 into the space between the third horizontal plate 420 or the fourth horizontal plate. Therefore, the ball 630 is always in contact with the stopper bracket 500 positioned between the third horizontal plate 420 or the fourth horizontal plate 420 by the elastic force of the spring 610.

Here, the stopper hole 520 located at the outermost side of the stopper bracket 500 is formed at the position where the ball stopper 600 is positioned when the case 100 is horizontally spread, and is located at the innermost stopper hole. 520 may be formed at a location where the ball stopper 600 is located when the case 100 is folded. Accordingly, the ball stopper 600 is coupled to the stopper hole 520 located at the outermost side of the stopper bracket 500 so that the case 100 is horizontal in the state where the case 100 is unfolded horizontally. In the folded state 100, the case 100 is maintained in a folded state by being coupled to the stopper hole 520 located at the innermost side of the stopper bracket 500.

As described above, when the case 100 is folded, the rotation block 410 of the side cover 110 and the lower support plate 400 bend together in a semicircular shape, but the side cover 110 may be due to bending radius difference and material difference. The outer portion of the) is relatively increased compared to the outer portion of the rotary block 410. Therefore, when the case 100 is spread out horizontally, the ball stopper 600 is inserted into the stopper hole 520 located at the outermost side of the stopper bracket 500, as shown in FIG. However, when the case 100 is folded, as shown in FIG. 26, the case 100 is moved and coupled to the stopper hole 520 located at the innermost side, so that the case 100 is folded at 0 °, that is, as shown in FIG. Keep your status.

Here, by adjusting the number and the formation position of the stopper hole 520, it is also possible to fix the case 100 at a desired angle. For example, three stopper holes 520 may be formed at regular intervals so that the case 100 may be fixed at 90 ° when the balls 630 of the ball stopper 600 are inserted into the middle stopper hole 520. .

 Of course, when the plurality of stopper brackets 500 are installed as shown in FIG. 13, the distance between the stopper holes 520 formed in each stopper bracket 500 is differently adjusted to adjust the angle at which the case 100 is fixed. It is possible.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11, the seating recess 200 may be formed a locking jaw (120). The latching jaw 120 when the case 100, 110 is folded so that the end of the second link (L2) is fixed as shown in Figure 10 to maintain a stable state of the case 100 folded.

In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, guide holes 421 and 431 may be formed in the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 through which the fixing pillar 210 formed in the seating groove 200 passes.

The guide holes 421 and 431 may be formed to have a predetermined length to limit the moving distance of the lower support plate 400 in the seating groove 200.

In more detail, when the case 100 is folded or unfolded, as the side cover 110 and the rotation block 410 are bent and unfolded in a semicircle, the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 of the lower support plate 400 are The ball stopper 600 is coupled to the different stopper holes 520 formed in the stopper bracket 500 as described above by moving in the seating groove 200. At this time, when the fixing pillar 210 is coupled to the upper support plate 300 through the guide holes 421 and 431, the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 move and are blocked by the fixing pillar 210 to limit movement. . That is, the moving distance of the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 is limited to the distance that the fixed pillar 210 can move in the guide holes 421 and 431, that is, the length of the guide holes 421 and 431.

27 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly jig in which the lower support plate is assembled according to the present invention.

On the other hand, the lower support plate 400 can be easily assembled using the assembly jig 20 as shown in FIG.

In the assembly jig 20, spaces in which rotary blocks 410 having different lengths are placed are partitioned into different sizes, and links in which first and second links L1 and L2 are placed between the spaces is disposed. The seating parts 23 and 24 are formed, and plate seating parts 21 and 22 on which the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 are placed are formed on the left and right sides. In addition, a hole 25 is formed at a side thereof in which the rotation block 410 and the first link L1 and the shaft S connecting the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 and the second link L2 are inserted. have.

28 to 30 is a perspective view showing a process of assembling the lower support plate in the assembly jig according to the present invention.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the rotary block 410, the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430, and the first and second links L1 and L2 are filled in a predetermined position in any order. Position alignment for assembly is completed naturally.

Next, as shown in FIG. 30, when the shafts S are respectively inserted into the holes 25, neighboring rotary blocks 410 are connected to each other by the first link L2, and the third and fourth horizontal plates. 420 and 430 are connected to the rotating blocks 410 located at both ends of the left and right ends by the second link L2.

31 to 33 is a view showing a process of coupling the upper support plate to the lower support plate using the assembly jig according to the present invention.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 31 to 33, when the assembly of the lower support plate 400 is completed so that the assembly process may proceed quickly, the upper support plate 300 may be coupled to the upper surface of the lower support plate 400. In this case, the stopper bracket 500 of the upper support plate 300 fixed to the lower surfaces of the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330 is inserted between the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 so that the upper support plate 300 is the lower support plate. It is to be stably positioned on the upper surface of the (400).

When this process is completed, the upper and lower support plates 300 and 400 are separated from the assembly jig 20, and then the through holes 411 and the third and fourth horizontal plates 420 and 430 of the rotating block 410 into which the shaft S is inserted. The cap C is inserted into the through holes 422 and 432. The cap 130 serves to prevent the shaft S from coming out and damaging the side cover 80. The upper and lower support plates 300 and 400 assembled as described above may be installed in the mounting groove 200 as shown in FIG. 1.

34 and 35 are perspective views illustrating another embodiment of the foldable display device according to the present invention.

34 and 35, the foldable display device according to the present invention may further include a shaft guide 700 and a side rotation guide 800.

Hereinafter, the shaft guide 700 and the side rotation guide 800 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

36 and 37 are exploded perspective views showing in more detail the structure of the shaft guide and side rotation guide according to the present invention.

First, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, a pair of shaft guides 700 are installed at both ends of the central portion of the case 100 to connect the through hole 411 and the rotating block 410 of the rotating block 410. Both ends of the shaft S simultaneously passing through the interconnecting first links L1 are supported.

To this end, the shaft guide 700 is formed with a shaft hole 710 into which both ends of the shaft S are inserted. The shaft hole 710 may be installed in a pair such that a pair of shafts S installed in the center is inserted. Of course, the number of shaft holes 710 is not limited thereto, and the number may be adjusted as necessary.

The shaft hole 710 is formed long in the vertical direction to serve to allow the shaft S to move up and down inside the shaft hole 710 when the case 100 is folded or unfolded.

38 is a view showing an operating state of the shaft guide when the foldable display device according to the present invention is folded or unfolded.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 38, the shaft S inserted into the shaft hole 710 is positioned at the lower end of the shaft hole 710 in a state where the case 100 is unfolded, and then the case 100 is folded. While the rotary block 410 ascends and rises together, when the case 100 is completely folded, it is positioned at the top of the shaft hole 710.

As described above, when the case 100 is folded or unfolded, the rotating convex 410 rotates about the shaft S, and the rotating block 410 is raised or lowered to naturally rotate the shaft S. Ascend or descend with block 410. Therefore, if the shaft (S) is fixed to the case 100, since the rising and falling of the rotation block 410 is not made smoothly, there is a risk of damaging the case 100, and thus the shaft guide 700 in the case 100. ) To ensure that the rise and fall of the shaft (S) is made smoothly when the case 100 is folded or unfolded.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, a pair of side rotation guides 800 are installed at both ends of lower surfaces of the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330, respectively.

A fastening protrusion 810, such as a stopper bracket 500, is also formed at an upper end of the side rotation guide 800 so that the fastening protrusion 810 is inserted into a fastening hole (not shown) of the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330. After being caulked by laser welding or press jig, the side rotation guide 800 is also fixed to the lower surface of the first and second horizontal plates 320 and 330.

The side rotation guide 800 is connected to the above-described shaft guide 700, respectively, when the case 100 is unfolded or folded when the horizontally centered around the shaft guide 700 or bent in a semi-circular shape and folded to the case 100 At the same time to reinforce the central portion of the case 100 to be more smoothly folded and unfolded.

39 is a view illustrating an operation state of the side rotation guide when the foldable display device according to the present invention is folded or unfolded.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 39, the side rotation guide 800 is in an unfolded state with respect to the shaft guide 700 in a state in which the case 100 is unfolded, and then the case 100 is folded into a semicircular shape. It is bent to face each other.

The foregoing description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention but to describe the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

100: case 110: side cover
120: locking jaw 200: seating groove
210: fixed column 220: fastening groove
300: upper support plate 310: bending portion
311: first bending plate 312; Second bending plate
320, 330: first and second horizontal plate 400: lower support plate
410: rotation block 420,430: third, fourth horizontal plate
421,431: guide hole 500: stopper bracket
510: fastening protrusion 520: stopper hole
600: ball stopper 610: spring
620: spring guide 630: ball
700: shaft guide 710: shaft hole
800: side rotation guide B: bolt
S: shaft

Claims (17)

A case 100 having a flexible display panel fixed to an upper surface thereof and configured to fold left and right;
A seating groove formed in the case;
An upper support plate fixed to the seating groove to be bent in a semicircular shape when the case is folded to support a bottom surface of the flexible display panel; And,
Inserted into the seating groove so as to be located on the lower side of the upper support plate is bent in a semi-circular shape when the case 100 is folded and moves in the seating groove, and comprises a lower support plate for supporting the lower surface of the upper support plate ,
The lower support plate,
A plurality of rotating blocks rotatably interconnected,
Comprising a plurality of third and fourth horizontal plates rotatably connected to each other at predetermined intervals in the rotary block located at the left and right ends,
The upper support plate,
A bending part which supports a lower surface of the central part in which the flexible display panel is folded and is bent in a semicircle when the case is folded;
First and second horizontal plates connected to left and right sides of the bending part to support left and right bottom surfaces of the flexible display panel,
A plurality of stopper brackets are vertically installed at predetermined intervals under the first and second horizontal plates, and the stopper brackets are inserted between the third horizontal plate and the fourth horizontal plate. The method of claim 1
The central portion of the case is made of a flexible material, characterized in that the foldable display device characterized in that the side cover is formed so that the case can be folded or unfolded. delete The method according to claim 1,
The bending part,
A first bending plate of a flexible material contacting the bottom surface of the flexible display panel;
And a second bending plate coupled to a lower side of the first bending plate and having a plurality of horizontal protrusions formed at predetermined intervals on a lower surface thereof. The method according to claim 1,
Second fastening holes are formed in the first and second horizontal plates,
A foldable display device having a fixing pillar formed in the seating groove to be inserted into the second fastening hole and coupled to the first and second horizontal plates. delete The method according to claim 1,
The rotating block is connected by a neighboring rotating block and the first link,
The foldable display device, characterized in that the through-hole is formed in the center of the rotation block is inserted into the shaft for rotation. The method according to claim 1,
The third and fourth horizontal plates are connected to each other by a rotation block and a second link at both ends, and a foldable display device having a through hole in which a shaft for rotation is inserted at one side thereof. The method according to claim 1,
The lower end side of the rotating block is formed to be perpendicular to the upper end formed horizontally, the upper end side is formed to be rounded at an angle,
And lateral lower ends of the third and fourth plates connected to the rotating block are perpendicular to the upper ends formed horizontally, and the upper ends of the third and fourth plates are formed to be rounded at an angle. 10. The method of claim 9,
A foldable display device, wherein protrusions and grooves that are engaged with each other are formed on side surfaces of the rotating block and side surfaces of the third and fourth plates facing the side surfaces, respectively, in order to prevent rotation of the rotating block. delete delete The method according to claim 1,
First and second fastening holes are formed in the first and second horizontal plates,
The upper end of the stopper bracket is a foldable display device, characterized in that the fastening projection is inserted into the first fastening hole is formed. The method according to claim 1,
A plurality of stopper holes are formed in the stopper bracket,
The third and fourth horizontal plate is a foldable display device, characterized in that the ball stopper is selectively coupled to the stopper hole to fix the case at a predetermined angle. The method of claim 14,
The ball stopper,
A spring installed inside the third and fourth horizontal plates;
A spring guide pressurized by the spring,
And a ball pushed out by the spring guide to contact the stopper bracket. The method according to claim 1,
Second fastening holes are formed in the first and second horizontal plates,
The seating groove is formed with a fixing pillar which is inserted into the second fastening hole and coupled to the first and second horizontal plates.
The foldable display device is formed in the third and fourth horizontal plate is formed with a guide hole through which the fixing pillar formed in the seating groove passes. The method of claim 8,
The seating groove is a foldable display device characterized in that the engaging jaw is formed to be fixed to the end of the second link when the case is folded.

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