Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a display apparatus including: a display module configured to be changed to a curved state, the display module comprising a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the first and the second lateral edges protruding forward in the curved state; a base frame disposed behind the display module; a shield member rotatably connected to lateral ends in a widthwise direction of the display module; and a cover unit having a first end connected to the shield member and a second end opposite from the first end connected to the base frame and configured to spread and cover spaces between the display module and the base frame at the lateral ends of the display unit when the display module is in the curved state.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2014-0001519 and No. 10-2014-0155574, filed on Jan. 6, 2014 and Nov. 10, 2014, respectively, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    Apparatuses consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a display apparatus with a display module that can be transformed to a flat state or a curved state. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    In the related art, a display apparatus includes a display module to display images. Examples of the display apparatus may include a television and a monitor. 
         [0006]    Lately, a display apparatus with a display module in which a display panel is fixed in a curved state so that a user can feel a three (3)-dimensional (3D) effect to some degrees while watching two (2)-dimensional (2D) images as if he/she sees 3D images has been developed. 
         [0007]    However, some users still prefer a display module in a flat state rather than in a curved state. Also, there are cases in which users feel more comfortable when seeing images through a display module in a flat state than through a display module in a curved state, under specific conditions, such as when various kinds of contents are displayed or when there are a large number of users. 
         [0008]    For these reasons, a display apparatus with a display module that can be transformed to a flat state or a curved state is suggested. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    One or more exemplary embodiments provide a display apparatus with a display module that can be transformed to a flat state or a curved state, which is capable of preventing foreign materials from getting into the display apparatus through spaces between the display module and a case when the display module is in the curved state. 
         [0010]    Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. 
         [0011]    In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiments, there is provided a display apparatus including: a display module that is able to be transformed to a curved state in which both lateral edges of the display module protrude forward; a base frame disposed behind the display module; one or more shield members rotatably connected to both lateral ends of the display module; and one or more cover units having one ends connected to the shield members and the other ends connected to the base frame, and configured to spread when the display module is transformed to a curved state, thus covering spaces between both sides of the display module and the base frame when the display module is in the curved state. 
         [0012]    Each of the one or more cover units may include a plurality of cover members that are formed in a shape of plates extending in a widthwise direction of the display module and that are stacked vertically, and the plurality of cover members may have one ends rotatably and movably connected to the base frame and the other ends rotatably connected to the shield members. 
         [0013]    The one or more shield members may include a first shield member and a second shield member respectively connected to both lateral ends of the display module, and the one or more cover units may include one or more first cover units and one or more second cover units, wherein the first cover units have one ends connected to a center part to the base frame and the other ends connected to the first shield member to cover at least one portion of the upper and lower portions of spaces between a part of the display module and the side case when the display module is in the curved state, and the second cover units have one ends connected to the center part to the base frame and the other ends connected to the second shield member to cover at least one portion of the upper and lower portions of spaces between the other part of the display module and the side case when the display module is in the curved state. 
         [0014]    The base frame may include one or more first guide pins configured to movably and rotatably support one ends of the cover members of the first cover units, and one or more second guide pins configured to movably and rotatably support one ends of the cover members of the second cover units, each of the first shield member and the second shield member may include a plurality of hinge grooves with which the other ends of the cover members are rotatably coupled, and the cover members may have one ends in which a plurality of guide holes extending horizontally and passing the guide pins therethrough are formed, and the other ends in which a plurality of hinge protrusions rotatably coupled with the hinge grooves are formed. 
         [0015]    The first guide pins and the second guide pins may be formed in at least one part of the upper, center part and the lower, center part of the base frame, and the hinge grooves may be formed in at least one ends of the upper ends and the lower ends of the first shield member and the second shield member. 
         [0016]    The plurality of cover units may include a pair of first cover units configured to cover the upper and lower portions of spaces between a part of the display module and the side case when the display module is in the curved state, and a pair of second cover units configured to cover the upper and lower portions of spaces between the other part of the display module and the side case when the display module is in the curved state. 
         [0017]    The plurality of cover units may include a first cover unit configured to cover the upper portion of spaces between a part of the display module and the side case when the display module is in the curved state, and a second cover unit configured to cover the upper portion of spaces between the other part of the display module and the side case when the display module is in the curved state. 
         [0018]    The display apparatus may further include a side case configured to cover the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the display module when the display module is in a flat state, wherein the one or more cover units cover at least ones of the upper and lower portions of spaces between the display module and the side case when the display module is in the curved state. 
         [0019]    The display apparatus may further include a transform unit disposed on the base frame and configured to transform the display module, and a rear case disposed behind the base frame and configured to cover the transform unit, wherein a height of the rear case may be lower than a height of the display module. 
         [0020]    The transform unit may include a driver configured to generate power, a pair of moving members configured to move in opposite directions by the driver, and a plurality of rotating members rotatably connected to the pair of moving members, and configured to rotate according to movements of the moving members to move both lateral edges of the display module forward and backward. 
         [0021]    In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiments, there is provided a display apparatus including: a display module configured to be changed to a curved state, the display module comprising a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the first and the second lateral edges protruding forward in the curved state; a base frame disposed behind the display module; a shield member rotatably connected to lateral ends in a widthwise direction of the display module; and a cover unit having a first end connected to the shield member and a second end opposite from the first end connected to the base frame and configured to spread and cover spaces between the display module and the base frame at the lateral ends of the display unit when the display module is in the curved state. 
         [0022]    The cover unit may include a plurality of cover members having a shape of a plate extending in a widthwise direction of the display module and stacked vertically, and a cover member of the plurality of cover members may include a first end rotatably and movably connected to the base frame and a second end rotatably connected to the shield members. 
         [0023]    The shield member may include a first shield member and a second shield member respectively connected to corresponding lateral ends of the display module, and wherein the cover unit may include a first cover unit and a second cover unit, wherein the first cover unit may include a first end connected to a center part of the base frame and a second end connected to the first shield member and is configured to cover at least one portion of upper and lower portions of spaces between the display module and a side case at a first lateral end of the lateral ends when the display module is in the curved state, and wherein the second cover unit may include a first end connected to the center part to the base frame and a second end connected to the second shield member and is configured to cover at least one portion of upper and lower portions of spaces between the display module and the side case at a second lateral end opposite to the first lateral end when the display module is in the curved state. 
         [0024]    The base frame may include a first guide pin configured to movably and rotatably support a first end of the plurality of cover members of the first cover unit, and a second guide pin configured to movably and rotatably support a first end of the plurality of cover members of the second cover unit, the first shield member may include a plurality of hinge grooves with which a second end of the plurality of cover members of the first cover unit is rotatably coupled and the second shield member may include a plurality of hinge grooves with which a second end of the plurality of cover members of the second cover unit is rotatably coupled, and the first ends of the plurality of cover members of the first and second cover units may include a guide hole extending horizontally and through which respective first and second guide pins pass therethrough, and a second end of the plurality of cover members of the first and second cover units may include a hinge protrusion rotatably coupled with respective plurality of hinge grooves of the first and second shield members. 
         [0025]    The first guide pin and the second guide pin may be provided in at least one of an upper-center part and a lower-center part of the base frame, and the plurality of hinge grooves are provided in at least one of an upper end and a lower end of the first and second shield members. 
         [0026]    The cover unit may include: a pair of first cover units configured to cover the upper and lower portions of spaces between the display module and the side case at the first lateral end when the display module is in the curved state; and a pair of second cover units configured to cover the upper and lower portions of spaces between the display module and the side case at the second lateral end when the display module is in the curved state. 
         [0027]    The cover unit may include: a first cover unit configured to cover the upper portion of spaces between the display module and the side case at the first lateral end when the display module is in the curved state; and a second cover unit configured to cover the upper portion of spaces between the display module and the side case at the second lateral end when the display module is in the curved state. 
         [0028]    The display apparatus may further include a side case configured to cover top, bottom, left, and right side surfaces of the display module when the display module is in a flat state, wherein the cover unit may be configured to cover at least one of the upper and lower portions of spaces between the display module and the side case when the display module is in the curved state. 
         [0029]    The display apparatus may further include a transform unit provided on the base frame and configured to transform the display module, and a rear case disposed behind the base frame and configured to cover the transform unit, wherein a height of the rear case may be smaller than a height of the display module. 
         [0030]    The transform unit may include: a driver configured to generate power; a pair of moving members configured to move in opposite directions from each other by the driver; and a plurality of rotating members rotatably connected to the pair of moving members and configured to rotate according to movements of the moving members to move the first and second lateral edges of the display module forward or backward. 
         [0031]    In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiments, there is provided a display apparatus including: a display device including: a first surface configured to display an image; and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a base member provided on the second surface of the display device; a side case encasing the display device and the base frame; a shield device provided at first and second lateral ends in a widthwise direction of the display device in an interior of the side case and extending in a height-wise direction of the display device; and a cover device provided in the interior of the side case having a first end connected to the shield member and a second end opposite from the first end connected to the base frame, wherein when the display device is in a flat state, the side case provides outer surfaces of the display apparatus and wherein when the display device is in a curved state, the side case, the shield device and the cover device together provide the outer surfaces of the display apparatus. 
         [0032]    The shield device may include a first shield device provided at a first lateral end of the display device and a second shield device provided at a second lateral end opposite to the first lateral end of the display device. 
         [0033]    The cover device may include: a pair of first cover devices configured to cover upper and lower portions of gaps between the display device and the side case at the first lateral end when the display device is in the curved state; and a pair of second cover devices configured to cover upper and lower portions of gaps between the display device and the side case at the second lateral end when the display device is in the curved state. 
         [0034]    The cover device may include a plurality of cover members, and wherein when the display device is in the flat state, the plurality of cover members may be stacked and overlapped with one another in the widthwise direction of the display device and wherein when the display device is in the curved state, the plurality of cover members may be configured to spread in a fan shape and form the outer surfaces of the display apparatus. 
         [0035]    When the display device is in the curved state, the shield device may be configured to provide a vertical surface extending in the height-wise direction of the outer surfaces and the cover device may be configured to provide a horizontal outer surface extending perpendicularly from the vertical surface of the outer surfaces of the display apparatus. 
         [0036]    The first end of the cover device may include a plurality of hinge protrusions protruding in the height-wise direction and the shield device may include a plurality of hinge grooves corresponding to the plurality of hinge protrusions and configured to rotatably support the first end of the cover device. 
         [0037]    The plurality of hinge grooves may be provided in at least one of an upper-most end and a lower-most end in the height-wise direction of the shield device. 
         [0038]    The second end of the cover device may include a guide hole and the base frame may include a guide pin corresponding to the guide hole and configured to movably and rotatably support the second end of the cover device. 
         [0039]    The guide pin may be provided in at least one of an upper-center part and a lower-center part of the base frame. 
         [0040]    The display apparatus may further include a transform unit provided on the base frame and configured to transform the display device between the flat state and the curved state. 
         [0041]    In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiments, there is provided a display apparatus including: a display means configured to display an image; transforming means for transforming the display means between a flat state and a curved state; casing means for providing outer surfaces of the display means; and covering means for covering a gap created between the display means and the casing means when the display means is in the curved state. 
         [0042]    The covering means may include: a first covering means for covering a vertical outer surface of the gap between the display means and the casing means; and a second covering means for covering a horizontal outer surface of the gap between the display means and the casing means. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0043]    The above and/or other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
           [0044]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, when a display module is in a flat state; 
           [0045]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, when the display module is in a curved state; 
           [0046]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0047]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, showing an installation state of a transform unit; 
           [0048]      FIG. 5  is a rear view of a driving unit in a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0049]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of a part A of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of a part B of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view showing an installation state of a shield member and a cover unit, in the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0052]      FIG. 9  is a plane view for describing operation of the cover unit when the display module is in the flat state, in the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0053]      FIG. 10  is a plane view for describing operation of the cover unit when the display module is in the curved state, in the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0054]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, when the display module is in the curved state; 
           [0055]      FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, when a rear case is detached from the display apparatus; 
           [0056]      FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, showing an installation state of a transform unit; 
           [0057]      FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of a cover unit, in the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0058]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the cover unit, in the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
           [0059]      FIG. 16  is a plane view showing a state in which the cover unit spreads, in the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0060]    Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
         [0061]    Hereinafter, a display apparatus  1  according to an exemplary embodiment will described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0062]    The display apparatus  1  according to an exemplary embodiment may include a display module  10  that can be transformed to a curved state in which both lateral edges of the display module  10  protrude forward. The display module  10  can be transformed to a flat state, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and to a curved state in which both lateral edges of the display module  10  protrude forward at a predetermined curvature, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0063]    The display apparatus  1  may include, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the display module  10  which can be transformed to a flat state and a curved state, a transform unit  20  configured to change (e.g., transform) the display module  10  to the flat state and the curved state as described above, a base frame  30  which is disposed behind the display module  10  and on which the transform unit  20  is positioned, a side case  40  forming side surfaces of the display apparatus  1 , a rear case  50  forming a rear part of the display apparatus  1 , and a stand  70  which is removably attached on the rear case  50  and which enables the display apparatus  1  to stand upright. In an exemplary embodiment, the side case  40  is a casing means and the casing means provides outer surfaces of the display device as described above. 
         [0064]    The display module  10  may include a display panel  11  being an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) panel, and a support panel  12  shaped to correspond to the display panel  11  and configured to support the rear part of the display panel  11 . 
         [0065]    The transform unit  20  may transform the display module  10  to a flat state in which the display module  10  is flat, or to a curved state in which both lateral edges of the display module  10  protrude forward from the center part of the display module  10 , so that the display module  10  can be used in the flat state or in the curved state. In an exemplary embodiment, the transforming unit is an example of transforming means. Yet in another exemplary embodiment, the transforming means transforms the display device between a flat state and a curved state as described above. 
         [0066]    The transform unit  20  may include a driver  21  disposed on the rear, center part of the display module  10  and configured to transform both lateral edges of the display module  10 , a plurality of first moving members  22 A and a plurality of second moving members  22 B configured to receive power from the driver  21  and to move in opposite directions symmetrically from the driver  21 , and a plurality of rotating members  23 A and  23 B configured to rotate according to movements of the plurality of first and second moving members  22 A and  22 B to move both lateral edges of the display module  10  forward and backward. 
         [0067]    The driver  21  may include, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a driving motor  211  to generate rotatory power, a pinion  212  to rotate by receiving rotatory power generated by the driving motor  211  through power transfer members, such as gears or belts, and a first rack  214 A and a second rack  214 B configured to interlock with the upper and lower parts of the pinion  212  and to move in opposite directions. 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 , the plurality of first moving members  22 A receive power through the first rack  214 A of the driver  21  and to move linearly in a widthwise direction W of the display module  10 , and the plurality of second moving members  22 B receive power through the second rack  214 B of the driver  21  and to move linearly in a direction that is opposite to the direction in which the first moving members  22 A move. In one exemplary embodiment, the widthwise direction includes any direction parallel with a width of the display module  10 . 
         [0069]    The plurality of rotating members  23 A and  23 B may include a plurality of first rotating members  23 A where first ends of respective first rotating members  23 A are rotatably connected to the first moving members  22 A and where second ends of the respective first rotating members  23 A are rotatably connected to a first lateral edge of the display module  10  in the widthwise direction to rotate according to movements of the first moving members  22 A to move the first lateral edge of the display module  10  forward or backward in a thickness-wise-wise direction T of the display module  10 , and a plurality of second rotating members  23 B where first ends of respective second rotating members  23 B are rotatably connected to the second moving members  22 B and where second ends of the respective second rotating members  23 B are rotatably connected to a second lateral edge of the display module  10  in the widthwise direction that is opposite to the first lateral edge to rotate according to movements of the second moving members  22 B to move the second lateral edge of the display module  10  forward or backward in the thickness-wise-wise direction T of the display module  10 . 
         [0070]    In the exemplary embodiment, the first moving members  22 A may be two moving members  22 A that are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction (i.e. a height-wise direction H of the display module  10 ) and move together in the widthwise direction of the display module  10  as the two moving members  22 A are connected through a first connecting member  24 A extending vertically in the height-wise direction H as shown in  FIG. 4 . Also, the second moving members  22 B may be two moving members  22 B that are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and move together as the two moving members  22 B are connected through a second connecting member  24 B extending vertically in the height-wise direction H as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0071]    Meanwhile, at the first lateral edge on the rear of the display module  10  in the thickness-wise-wise direction T of the display module  10 , a pair of first hinge members  13 A (see  FIG. 8 ), with which the second ends of the respective first rotating members  23 A are rotatably coupled, may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Similarly, at the second lateral edge on the rear of the display module  10 , a pair of second hinge members  13 B, with which the second ends of the second rotating members  23 B are rotatably coupled, may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. 
         [0072]    Also, the display apparatus  1  may include a pair of shield members  25 A and  25 B to cover side portions of spaces between the side case  40  and the first and second lateral edges of the display module  10  which protrude forward in the thickness-wise-wise direction T of the display module  10  when the display module  10  is in the curved state. 
         [0073]    The pair of shield members  25 A and  25 B may include a first shield member  25 A extending vertically (i.e., in a height-wise direction H of the display module  10 ) and rotatably disposed at a first lateral end in a widthwise direction W of the display module  10  behind the display module  10  in the thickness-wise-wise direction T of the display module  10 , and a second shield member  25 B extending vertically (i.e., in the height-wise direction H of the display module  10 ) and rotatably disposed at a second lateral end in the widthwise direction W of the display module  10  behind the display module  10 . 
         [0074]    The first and second shield members  25 A and  25 B may rotate with respect to an axis extending in the height-wise direction H of the display module  10  when the display module  10  is transformed between a curved state and a flat state, thus at least partially covering the side portions of spaces between the display module  10  and the side case  40  when the display module is in the curved state. In the exemplary embodiment, the first shield member  25 A may connect to the first rotating members  23 A such that the first shield member  25 A is rotatably installed at the first lateral end on the rear of the display module  10  through the first rotating members  23 A, and the second shield member  25 B may connect to the second rotating members  23 B such that the second shield member  25 B is rotatably installed at the second lateral end on the rear of the display module  10  through the second rotating members  23 B. 
         [0075]    Each of the first and second shield members  25 A and  25 B may include a plurality of speakers  25  aligned vertically (i.e., in the height-wise direction H of the display module  10 ) so that the first and second shield members  25 A and  25 B may function as speakers. The above described shield members  25 A and  25 B are examples of covering means and the shield members  25 A and  25 B cover a gap created between the display module  10  and the side case  40 . 
         [0076]    The base frame  30  may be formed in a shape of a rectangular plate to correspond to a shape of the display module  10 , and disposed behind the display module  10  in the thickness-wise-wise direction T of the display module  10 . The driver  21  may be fixed at the center part of the base frame  30 . Also, the center part of the display module  10  may be fixed on the base frame  30  in order to prevent the center part of the display module  10  from moving forward along with the lateral ends of the display module  10 . 
         [0077]    The two first moving members  22 A may connect to the first rack  214 A through the first connecting member  24 A to move together with the first rack  214 A, and the two second moving members  22 B may connect to the second rack  214 B through the second connecting member  24 B to move together with the second rack  214 B. 
         [0078]    A plurality of movement guides  31  for guiding horizontal movement (i.e., along the widthwise direction W of the display module  10 ) of the first moving members  22 A and the second moving members  22 B may be arranged on the base frame  30 . In the exemplary embodiment, four pairs of movement guides  31  may be arranged on the base frame  30  such that each of the first and second moving members  22 A and  22 B is movably supported by a pair of movement guides  31 . However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. The number of the movement guides is not particularly limited and may be adjusted based on the design criteria of the display apparatus  1 . 
         [0079]    The side case  40  may be formed in a shape of a rectangular ring or a rectangular enclosure to cover the top, bottom, left, and right side surfaces of the display module  10  and the base frame  30  when the display module  10  is in the flat state. If the display module  10  is transformed to the curved state, both lateral edges (i.e., the first and second lateral edges) of the display module  10  may protrude forward from the side case  40  in the thickness-wise direction T of the display module  10 . 
         [0080]    Also, the display apparatus  1  may include a plurality of cover units  60 A and  60 B to cover upper and lower portions of spaces created between the display module  10  and the side case  40  or the base frame  30  when the display module  10  is in the curved state at the both lateral ends of the display module  10  in the widthwise direction W. 
         [0081]    In the exemplary embodiment, the cover units  60 A and  60 B may include a pair of first cover units  60 A where first ends of respective first cover units  60 A are connected to the center part of the base frame  30  and where second ends of the respective first cover units  60 A are connected to the first shield member  25 A to cover the upper and lower portions of spaces between the display module  10  and the side case  40  or the base frame  30  at the first lateral end corresponding to a location of the first shield member  25 A when the display module  10  is transformed into the curved state, and a pair of second cover units  60 B where first ends of respective second cover units  60 B are connected to the center part of the base frame  30  and where second ends of the respective second cover units  60 B are connected to the second shield member  25 B to cover the upper and lower portions of spaces between the display module  10  and the side case  40  or the base frame  30  at the second lateral end corresponding to a location of the second shield member  25 B when the display module  10  is transformed into the curved state. 
         [0082]    Each of the first and second cover units  60 A and  60 B may include, as shown in  FIGS. 6 to 8 , a plurality of cover members  61  where each of the cover members  61  has a shape of a plate extending in a widthwise direction W of the display module  10  and that are stacked vertically (i.e. in a height-wise direction H of the display module  10 ). First ends of the cover members  61  of the first cover units  60 A may be rotatably and movably connected to the center part of the base frame  30 , and second ends of the cover members  61  of the first cover units  60 A may be rotatably connected to the upper and lower ends of the first shield member  25 A. Similarly, first ends of the cover members  61  of the second cover units  60 B may be rotatably and movably connected to the center part of the base frame  30 , and second ends of the cover members  61  of the second cover units  60 B may be rotatably connected to the upper and lower ends of any one of the second shield member  25 B. The cover units  60 A and  60 B are examples of covering means and cover a gap created between the display module  10  and the side case  40 . 
         [0083]    In order for the first ends of the cover members  61  to be rotatably and movably connected to the center part of the base frame  30  and the respect shield members  25 A and  25 B as described above, a plurality of guide holes  61   a  extending horizontally (i.e., on a plane formed by axes extending in a widthwise direction W and a thickness-wise direction T of the display module  10 ) may be formed at the first ends of the cover members  61 , and a plurality of hinge protrusions  61   b  may be formed along a line at the second ends of the cover members  61  such that the hinge protrusions  61   b  are rotatably coupled with the upper or lower ends of corresponding shield members  25 A and  25 B. 
         [0084]    Respectively, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in the upper and lower ends of the center part of the base frame  30  along a widthwise direction H of the display module  10 , a pair of first guide pins  32 A may be provided to pass through the guide holes  61   a  formed in the cover members  61  of the first cover units  60 A, and a pair of second guide pins  32 B may be formed to pass through the guide holes  61   a  formed in the cover members  61  of the second cover units  60 B. 
         [0085]    Also, on the upper and lower ends of the first and second shield members  25 A and  25 B, a plurality of hinge grooves  25   d  with which the hinge protrusions  61   b  provided on the cover members  61  are rotatably coupled may be arranged along a line. 
         [0086]    Hereinafter, the display apparatus  1  configured as described above will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0087]    If a user manipulates an input unit, such as a remote controller or a button provided on the display apparatus  1  while the display module  10  is in the flat state, the driving motor  211  may operate to rotate the pinion  212  in a direction, so that the first rack  214 A interlocked with the upper part of the pinion  212  may move toward one lateral edge of the display module  10  according to the rotation of the pinion  212 , and the second rack  214 B interlocked with the lower part of the pinion  212  may move in a direction that is opposite to the movement direction of the first rack  214 A referring to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0088]    As the two first moving members  22 A are connected to the first rack  214 A through the first connecting member  24 A, the first moving members  22 A may move toward one lateral edge of the display module  10  together with the first rack  214 A. Also, as the two second moving members  22 B are connected to the second rack  214 B through the second connecting member  24 B, the second moving members  22 B may move toward the other lateral edge of the display module  10  together with the second rack  214 B. The movements of the first moving members  22 A and the second moving members  22 B may be guided by the movement guides  31  arranged on the base frame  30 . 
         [0089]    According to the movement of the first moving members  22 A, the first rotating members  23 A may rotate with respect to first ends connected to the first moving members  22 A to push a first lateral edge of the display module  10  forward along a thickness-wise direction T of the display module  10 , and according to the movement of the second moving members  22 B, the second rotating members  23 B may rotate with respect to first ends connected to the second moving members  22 B to push a second lateral edge of the display module  10  forward along a thickness-wise direction T of the display module  10 . 
         [0090]    Accordingly, because both lateral edges of the display module  10  protrude forward by the first rotating members  23 A and the second rotating members  23 B, while the center part of the display module  10  is fixed on the base frame  30 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , the display module  10  may be transformed to a curved shape in which both lateral edges of the display module  10  protrude forward. 
         [0091]    As the first shield member  25 A and the second shield member  25 B are respectively connected to the first rotating members  23 A and the second rotating members  23 B and the first shield member  25 A and the second shield member  25 B may rotate together with the first rotating members  23 A and the second rotating members  23 B. 
         [0092]    The cover members  61  of the cover units  60 A and  60 B may overlap each other vertically, as shown in  FIG. 9  while the display module  10  is in the flat state, and if the first shield member  25 A and the second shield member  25 B rotate as the display module  10  is transformed to the curved state, the cover members  61  of the four cover units  60 A and  60 B may move and rotate with respect to the guide pins  32 A and  32 B to spread in a fan shape as shown in  FIG. 10 , thus covering respective the upper and lower portions of spaces between the display module  10  and the base frame  30  or the side case  40  at both lateral ends of the display module  10 . 
         [0093]    Accordingly, the cover units  60 A and  60 B may prevent foreign materials such as dust from getting into the display apparatus  1  through the upper and lower portions of spaces between the display module  10  and the base frame  30  or the side case  40  when the display module  10  is in the curved state. 
         [0094]    In the exemplary embodiment described above, an example in which the display apparatus  1  includes the display panel  11  configured with OLEDs has been described, however, the display panel  11  is not limited to an OLED panel. For example, the display apparatus  1  may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel. 
         [0095]    In the exemplary embodiment, the cover units  60 A and  60 B are configured to cover the upper and lower portions of space between the display module  10  and the base frame  30  or the side case  40  when the display module  10  is in the curved state, however, the configuration of the cover units  60 A and  60 B is not limited thereto. For example, the cover units  60 A and  60 B can be configured to cover only the upper portions of spaces between the display module  10  and the base frame  30  or the side case  40  when the display module  10  is in the curved state. 
         [0096]    In the exemplary embodiment, the first shield member  25 A and the second shield member  25 B may be configured to be able to rotate with respect to the display module  10  through the first rotating members  23 A and the second rotating members  23 B, however, the configuration of the first shield member  25 A and the second shield member  25 B is not limited thereto. For example, the first shield member  25 A and the second shield member  25 B may be rotatably connected to the display module  10 . 
         [0097]    Also, the display apparatus  1  may include a remote controller (not shown) or a button (not shown), and when a user manipulates the remote controller or the button, the display module  10  may be transformed to any one of a flat state and a curved state. 
         [0098]    Alternatively, the display module  10  may be automatically transformed to a flat state or a curved state by the transform unit  20  according to a type of content that is to be displayed on the display module  10 . 
         [0099]    For example, if information representing that content to be displayed on the display module  10  is content such as news is input to the display apparatus  1 , the display module  10  may be transformed to a flat state by the transform unit  20 , and if information representing that content to be displayed on the display module  10  is movie is input to the display apparatus  1 , the display module  10  may be transformed to a curved state by the transform unit  20 . 
         [0100]    At this time, information about a type of content may be input directly by a user through the button, or received from a transmitter such as a broadcasting company together with image signals. 
         [0101]    Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the display module  10  is transformed to any one state between a flat state and a curved state at a predetermined curvature, however, the transformation of the display module  10  is not limited thereto. For example, the curvature of the display module  10  may be adjusted within a predetermined curvature range continuously or by stages according to a user&#39;s selection. That is, when the user presses the button, the curvature of the display module  10  may be adjusted continuously in proportion to a time period for which the user presses the button, or by stages in proportion to the number of times by which the user presses the button. 
         [0102]    Also, in the current embodiment, the display module  10  is entirely curved at a predetermined curvature, however, the display module  10  is not limited to this. According to design, the display module  10  may be curved only at its center part and maintained in a flat state at its both lateral edges, or the display module  10  may be curved at different curvatures at its center part and at its both lateral edges. 
         [0103]    Hereinafter, a display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0104]    As shown in  FIGS. 11 to 13 , a display apparatus  1 - 1  according to a second exemplary embodiment may include a display module  10 - 1  which can be transformed to a flat state and a curved state, a transform unit  20 - 1  configured to transform the display module  10 - 1 , a base frame  30 - 1  on which the transform unit  20 - 1  is disposed, and a rear case  50 - 1  disposed behind the base frame  30 - 1  and configured to cover the transform unit  20 - 1 . 
         [0105]    In addition, the display apparatus  1 - 1  may include a stand  70 - 1  to enable the display apparatus  1 - 1  to stand upright on a horizontal plane such as a floor. In the exemplary embodiment, the stand  70 - 1  may include a holder  70   a  that is supported on a horizontal plane, and a support  70   b  that extends from the holder  70   a  and is fixed to the base frame  30 - 1 . 
         [0106]    In the exemplary embodiment, the base frame  30 - 1  and the rear case  50 - 1  may have a height that is shorter than a height of the display module  10 - 1  so that the rear, upper part of the display module  10 - 1  is exposed to the outside in the rear, in order to look like the display apparatus  10 - 1  has a thin thickness-wise. 
         [0107]    The transform unit  20 - 1  may include a driver  21 - 1  configured to generate power, a plurality of moving members  22 A- 1  and  22 B- 1  configured to move by receiving power from the driver  21 - 1 , and a pair of rotating members  23 A- 1  and  23 B- 1  configured to rotate with respect to the moving members  22 A- 1  and  22 B- 1  and to move both lateral edges of the display module  10 - 1  forward and backward in a thickness-wise direction T of the display module  10 - 1 . In the exemplary embodiment, each of the rotating members  23 A- 1  and  23 B- 1  may be provided as three separate members that are spaced and arranged in the upper, center, and lower areas in a height-wise direction H of the display module  10 - 1  of each lateral edge of the rear part of the display module  10 - 1 . The moving members  22 A- 1  and  22 B- 1  may include a pair of first links  22 A- 1   a  and  22 B- 1   a  configured to move in opposite directions by the driver  21 - 1 , a pair of three second links  22 A- 1   b  and  22 B- 1   b  respectively connected to the pair of three rotating members  23 A- 1  and  23 B- 1 , and a pair of third links  22 A- 1   c  and  22 B- 1   c  configured to connect the three second links  22 A- 1   b  and  22 B- 1   b  spaced apart vertically to each other. 
         [0108]    Also, the display apparatus  1 - 1  may include two pairs of cover units  60 A- 1  and  60 B- 1  and a pair of shield members  25 A- 1  and  25 B- 1  to cover spaces between the display module  10 - 1  and the base frame  30 - 1  when the display module  10 - 1  is in a curved state. 
         [0109]    The pair of shield members  25 A- 1  and  25 B- 1  may be used to cover spaces between the display module  10 - 1  and the base frame  30 - 1  at both lateral ends along a widthwise direction H of the display module  10 - 1  when the display module  10 - 1  is in the curved state. The pair of shield members  25 A- 1  and  25 B- 1  may be connected to the rotating members  23 A- 1  and  23 B- 1  arranged vertically to rotate together with the rotating members  23 A- 1  and  23 B- 1 . 
         [0110]    The two pairs of cover units  60 A- 1  and  60 B- 1  may be disposed such that first ends of the cover units  60 A- 1  and  60 B- 1  are rotatably connected to the upper and lower ends of the shield members  25 A- 1  and  25 B- 1 , and second ends of the cover units  60 A- 1  and  60 B- 1  are rotatably connected to the base frame  30 - 1 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . Accordingly, the cover units  60 A- 1  and  60 B- 1  may rotate with respect to the second ends to spread according to rotation of the rotating members  23 A- 1  and  23 B- 1 . In the exemplary embodiment, five cover members  61 - 1  may be provided to correspond to each of the upper and lower edges of the display module  10 - 1  at both lateral ends of the display module  10 - 1 . 
         [0111]    The upper and lower rotating members of the rotating members  23 A- 1  and  23 B- 1  may be connected to a plurality of first rotation guide members  62  to which first ends of the cover members  61 - 1  are rotatably connected, and in the base frame  30 - 1 , a plurality of second rotation guide members  63  to which the other ends of the cover members  61 - 1  are rotatably connected may be provided. 
         [0112]    The cover members  61 - 1  may include a plurality of hinge protrusions  61   a  and  61   b  that are rotatably coupled with the first rotation guide members  62  and the second rotation guide members  63 . Each first rotation guide member  62  may include a plurality of hinge grooves  62   a  with which the hinge protrusions  61   a  formed in first ends of the cover members  61 - 1  are rotatably coupled, and each second rotation guide member  63  may include a plurality of guide grooves  63   a  with which the hinge protrusions  61   b  formed at second ends of the cover members  61 - 1  are rotatably and movably coupled. 
         [0113]    Accordingly, the cover members  61 - 1  overlap vertically when the display module  10 - 1  is in a flat state, as shown in  FIG. 15 , and when the display module  10 - 1  is transformed to a curved state, the cover members  61 - 1  may spread to cover spaces between the display module  10 - 1  and the rear case  50 - 1 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0114]    As described above, in the display apparatus according to exemplary embodiments, since the cover members of the cover units spread to cover the upper and lower portions of spaces between the display module and the side case at both lateral ends of the display module when the display module is transformed to a curved state, it is possible to prevent foreign materials from getting into the display apparatus through the upper and lower portions of spaces between the display module and the side case. 
         [0115]    Although exemplary embodiments have been particularly shown and described above, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made therein without departing from the principles and spirit of the inventive concept, the scope of which is defined by the following claims.