Apparatus for supporting flexible display panel

An apparatus for supporting a flexible display panel is disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus includes first and second unidirectional link members arranged in a first direction so as to be parallel to each other. The first and second unidirectional link members are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around a second direction crossing the first direction. The apparatus also includes a first connecting member connected to one side of each of the first and second unidirectional link members so as to be rotatable around the second direction and first and second supporting plates arranged on opposing sides of the first and second unidirectional link members in the first direction. The first and second supporting plates are configured to be rotatable together with the first and second unidirectional link members.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0000719 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jan. 5, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field

The described technology generally relates to an apparatus for supporting a flexible display panel.

Description of the Related Technology

Examples of display devices which are currently known include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, field effect displays (FEDs), electrophoretic displays, and the like.

OLED displays include two electrodes and an organic light-emitting layer interposed between the two electrodes. Electrons injected from one electrode and holes injected from the other electrode are recombined in the organic light-emitting layer so as to form excitons and the excitons emit energy in the form of light.

Since OLED displays have self-luminance characteristics and do not require a separate light source in contrast to LCDs, the thickness and weight of OLED displays can be comparatively lower. In addition, since OLED displays have high quality characteristics such as low power consumption, high luminance, fast response speeds, and the like, they have been regarded as next generation displays.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE ASPECTS

One inventive aspect is an apparatus for supporting a display panel of a flexible display that can enable the display panel to be bent or folded.

Another aspect is a display panel including: first and second unidirectional link members arranged in a first direction so as to be parallel to each other and connected to each other so as to be rotatable around a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction; a first connecting member connected to one side of each of the first and second unidirectional link members so as to be rotatable; and first and second supporting plates arranged on one side of each of the first and second unidirectional link members in the first direction so as to be rotatable together with the first and second unidirectional link members, respectively.

The apparatus can further include: a first rotation axis penetrating through the first unidirectional link member and the first connecting member and being parallel to the second direction; and a second rotation axis penetrating through the second unidirectional link member and the first connecting member and being parallel to the first rotation axis.

The first and second unidirectional link members can be rotatable in only an upper side direction around each of the first and second rotation axes based on a plane formed by the first and second unidirectional link members.

The first and second unidirectional link members can be formed in a square pillar shape, and upper corner portions of the first and second unidirectional link members facing each other can be formed in a chamfered shape.

The corner portions of the first and second unidirectional link members can be in contact with each other where the first and second unidirectional link members are rotated around the first and second rotation axes, respectively.

The first unidirectional link member can be fixed to the first supporting plate.

The second unidirectional link member can be fixed to the second supporting plate.

The display panel can be positioned on the first and second supporting plates.

The apparatus can further include: first and second bidirectional link members arranged in the first direction so as to be parallel to each other and connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the second direction; and third and fourth bidirectional link members arranged in the first direction so as to be parallel to each other and connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the second direction, wherein the first and third bidirectional link members are arranged in the second direction so as to be parallel to each other and are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the first direction; the second and fourth bidirectional link members are arranged in the second direction so as to be parallel to each other and are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the first direction; the first bidirectional link member and the first unidirectional link member are arranged in the second direction so as to be parallel to each other and are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the first direction; and the second bidirectional link member and the second unidirectional link member are arranged in the second direction so as to be parallel to each other and are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the first direction.

The first rotation axis can penetrate through the first and third bidirectional link members, and the second rotation axis can penetrate through the second and fourth bidirectional link members.

The first and second rotation axes can have elasticity.

The apparatus can further include a third rotation axis penetrating through the first and second bidirectional link members and being parallel to the first direction; and a fourth rotation axis penetrating through the third and fourth bidirectional link members and being parallel to the third rotation axis.

The first and second bidirectional link members can be rotatable in only an upper side direction around each of the first and second rotation axes based on a plane formed by the first and second bidirectional link members.

The third and fourth bidirectional link members can be rotatable in only an upper side direction around each of the first and second rotation axes based on a plane formed by the third and fourth bidirectional link members.

The first and third bidirectional link members can be rotatable in only an upper side direction around each of the third and fourth rotation axes based on a plane formed by the first and third bidirectional link members.

The second and fourth bidirectional link members can be rotatable in only an upper side direction around each of the third and fourth rotation axes based on a plane formed by the second and fourth bidirectional link members.

The first to fourth bidirectional link members can be formed in a square pillar shape, and corner portions of the first to fourth bidirectional link members facing each other can be formed in a chamfered shape.

The third and fourth rotation axes can have elasticity.

Another aspect is an apparatus for supporting a flexible display panel, comprising first and second unidirectional link members arranged in a first direction so as to be parallel to each other, wherein the first and second unidirectional link members are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around a second direction crossing the first direction; a first connecting member connected to one side of each of the first and second unidirectional link members so as to be rotatable around the second direction; and first and second supporting plates arranged on opposing sides of the first and second unidirectional link members in the first direction, wherein the first and second supporting plates are configured to be rotatable together with the first and second unidirectional link members.

In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a first rotation rod penetrating through the first unidirectional link member and the first connecting member, wherein the first rotation rod is parallel to the second direction; and a second rotation rod penetrating through the second unidirectional link member and the first connecting member, wherein the second rotation rod is parallel to the first rotation rod. The first and second unidirectional link members can be configured to be rotatable in only an upper direction around each of the first and second rotation rods. Each of the first and second unidirectional link members can have a square pillar shape and upper corner portions of each of the first and second unidirectional link members facing each other can have a chamfered shape.

In exemplary embodiments, the corner portions of the first and second unidirectional link members contact each other when the first and second unidirectional link members are rotated around the first and second rotation rods. The first unidirectional link member can be fixed to the first supporting plate. The second unidirectional link member can be fixed to the second supporting plate. The display panel can be positioned on the first and second supporting plates.

In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises first and second bidirectional link members arranged in the first direction so as to be parallel to each other, wherein the first and second bidirectional link members are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the second direction; and third and fourth bidirectional link members arranged in the first direction so as to be parallel to each other, wherein the third and fourth bidirectional link members are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the second direction, wherein the first and third bidirectional link members are arranged in the second direction so as to be parallel to each other, wherein the first and third bidirectional link members are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the first direction, wherein the second and fourth bidirectional link members are arranged in the second direction so as to be parallel to each other, wherein the second and fourth bidirectional link members are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the first direction, wherein the first bidirectional link member and the first unidirectional link member are arranged in the second direction so as to be parallel to each other, wherein the first bidirectional link member and the first unidirectional link member are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the first direction, wherein the second bidirectional link member and the second unidirectional link member are arranged in the second direction so as to be parallel to each other, and wherein the second bidirectional link member and the second unidirectional link member are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the first direction.

In exemplary embodiments, the first rotation rod penetrates through the first and third bidirectional link members, and wherein the second rotation rod penetrates through the second and fourth bidirectional link members. The first and second rotation rods can be elastic. The apparatus can further comprise a third rotation rod penetrating through the first and second bidirectional link members, wherein the third rotation rod is parallel to the first direction and a fourth rotation rod penetrating through the third and fourth bidirectional link members, wherein the fourth rotation rod is parallel to the third rotation rod.

In exemplary embodiments, the first and second bidirectional link members are configured to be rotatable in only an upper side direction around each of the first and second rotation rods. The third and fourth bidirectional link members can be configured to be rotatable in only an upper side direction around each of the first and second rotation rods. The first and third bidirectional link members can be configured to be rotatable in only an upper side direction around each of the third and fourth rotation rods. The second and fourth bidirectional link members can be configured to be rotatable in only an upper side direction around each of the third and fourth rotation rods. The first to fourth bidirectional link members can be formed to have a square pillar shape and corner portions of the first to fourth bidirectional link members facing each other can be formed to have a chamfered shape. The third and fourth rotation rods can be elastic.

According to at least one embodiment, the display panel can be freely folded or bent in the first direction and the second direction, that is, in both directions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the described technology is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which are described herein, and may be modified in various different ways. Rather, the exemplary embodiments to be described below are provided so that the spirit and scope of the described technology is sufficiently disclosed such that those skilled in the art to which the described technology pertains can practice the described technology.

In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions may be exaggerated for the sake of clarity. In addition, when a layer is described as being ‘on’ another layer or a substrate, the layer can be directly formed on the other layer or substrate or additional layers can be interposed therebetween. Like elements will be denoted by like reference numerals throughout the specification.

Flexible displays (typically of the OLED type) which can be bent or folded have been developed.FIG. 1illustrates a flexible display folded in a number of different configurations. Flexible displays can also include a support101to give the display structure (e.g., a flexible display panel102). In order to allow the display panel102of a flexible display to be bent or folded, the support101should also be bent or folded along with the display panel.

Referring toFIGS. 2 to 4, an apparatus for supporting a display panel according to a first exemplary embodiment can bend or fold the display panel around a second direction.

Referring toFIG. 2, the apparatus for supporting the display panel according to a first exemplary embodiment can rotate first and second supporting plates510and530by first to third unidirectional link members110a,110b, and110cpositioned between the first supporting plate510and the second supporting plate530.

In addition, similar unidirectional link members to the first to third unidirectional link members110a,110b, and110ccan be positioned between the second and third supporting plates530and550. As a result, the second and third supporting plates530and550can be rotated.

That is, the first and second supporting plates510and530can be folded so as to face each other by the first to third unidirectional link members110a,110b, and110c.

In addition, the second and third supporting plates530and550can be folded so as to face each other by the unidirectional link members interposed between the second supporting plate530and the third supporting plate550.

Hereinafter, the first to third unidirectional link members110a,110b, and110cthat can fold the first and second supporting plates510and530or the second and third supporting plates530and550so as to face each other will be described.

FIG. 3is an enlarged perspective view of region A ofFIG. 2.

Referring toFIG. 3, the first to third unidirectional link members110a,110b, and110c, and first and second connecting members130aand130bare positioned between the first and second supporting plates510and530. The first and second supporting plates510and530can be bent or folded while being rotated in one direction by the relative rotation of the first to third unidirectional link members110a,110b, and110c, and first and second connecting members130aand130b.

As shown inFIG. 3, the first to third unidirectional link members110a,110b, and110care arranged in a first direction so as to be parallel to each other. The first to third unidirectional link members110a,110b, and110care connected to each other so as to be rotatable around a second direction. In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, the second direction is a direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. However, in other embodiments, the second direction is not necessarily perpendicular to the first direct, but crosses the first direction.

The first connecting member130ais connected to one side of the first and second unidirectional link members110aand110b. The first and second unidirectional link members110aand110bare connected to the first connecting member130aso as to be rotatable.

In addition, the second connecting member130bis connected to one side of the second and third unidirectional link members110band110c. The second and third unidirectional link members110band110care connected to the second connecting member130bso as to be rotatable.

As a result, the second unidirectional link member110bis connected to the first and second connecting members130aand130bso as to be rotatable.

In addition, a first rotation axis170apenetrates through the first unidirectional link member110aand the first connecting member130a. The first rotation axis170ais parallel to the second direction. Although the term rotation axis is used herein, in some embodiments, each of the rotation axes is implemented via a rotation rod or a rotation pin.

Consequently, the first unidirectional link member110aand the first connecting member130acan be rotated around the first rotation axis170a.

Meanwhile, a second rotation axis170bpenetrates through the second unidirectional link member110band the first connecting member130a. Similarly, the second rotation axis170bis parallel to the second direction.

Thus, the second unidirectional link member110band the first connecting member130acan be rotated around the second rotation axis170b.

In addition, a 2-1-th rotation axis170cpenetrates through the second unidirectional link member110band the second connecting member130b. Similarly, the 2-1-th rotation axis170cis also parallel to the second direction.

In addition, a 1-1-th rotation axis170dpenetrates through the first and fourth unidirectional link members110aand150atogether with the first rotation axis170a. As shown inFIG. 3, however, the 1-1-th rotation axis170ddoes not penetrate through the first connecting member130a.

Meanwhile, fourth to sixth unidirectional link members150a,150b, and150care positioned on the opposing side of the first and second connecting members130aand130bwith respect to the first to third unidirectional link members110a,110b, and110c. As shown inFIG. 3, the fourth to sixth unidirectional link members150a,150b, and150care connected to the first and second connecting members130aand130b, similar to the first to third unidirectional link members110a,110b, and110c.

The first rotation axis170adescribed above penetrates through the first and fourth unidirectional link members110aand150aand the first connecting member130a. In addition, the second rotation axis170bpenetrates through the second and fifth unidirectional link members110band150band the first connecting member130a. The 2-1-th rotation axis170cpenetrates through the second and fifth unidirectional link members110band150band the second connecting member130b.

In addition to this, the rotation axis penetrates through the third and sixth unidirectional link members110cand150cand the second connecting member130b.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the first and fourth unidirectional link members110aand150aare connected to the first supporting plate510. The third and sixth unidirectional link members110cand150care connected to the second supporting plate530. That is, the first to third unidirectional link members110a,110b, and110c, and the fourth to sixth unidirectional link members150a,150b, and150care interposed between the first and second supporting plates510and530.

Accordingly, the first and second supporting plates510and530are fixedly connected to the unidirectional link members.

Meanwhile, as shown inFIG. 2, the apparatus further includes a third supporting plate550. Similar unidirectional link members to the unidirectional link members interposed between the first and second supporting plates510and530are also be interposed between the second and third supporting plates530and550.

The first to third supporting plates510,530, and550support a display panel (not shown). The display panel (not shown) is arranged on the first to third supporting plates510,530, and550.

At least one of the first and second supporting plates510and530connected to each other by the first to third unidirectional link members110a,110b, and110ccan be rotated around the second direction, thereby making it possible for the display panel (not shown) arranged on the first and second supporting plates510and530to be folded or bent.

In addition, at least one of the second and third supporting plates530and550connected to each other by the fifth to sixth unidirectional link members150a,150b, and150ccan be rotated around the second direction, thereby making it possible for the display panel (not shown) arranged on the second and third supporting plates530and550to be folded or bent.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the first to third supporting plates510,530, and550are interposed in the first direction so as to be parallel to each other.

In describing the apparatus for supporting the display panel according to the first exemplary embodiment, an embodiment in which three unidirectional link members are arranged in the first direction between the first and second supporting plates510and530is described. That is, the first to third unidirectional link members110a,110b, and110c, and the fourth to sixth unidirectional link members150a,150b, and150care interposed between the first and second supporting plates510and530in the embodiment described in connected withFIGS. 2 and 3.

However, the apparatus for supporting the display panel according to the first exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, only two unidirectional link members such as the first and second unidirectional link members110aand110bare interposed between the first and second supporting plates510and530.

That is, in some embodiments, the apparatus for supporting the display panel according to the first exemplary embodiment includes only at least the first and second unidirectional link members110aand110bbetween the first and second supporting plates510and530.

In these embodiments, only the first connecting member130aare connected to the first and second unidirectional link members110aand110bso as to be rotatable.

Further, in other embodiments, four or more unidirectional link members can be interposed between the first and second supporting plates510and530. As the number of unidirectional link members interposed between the first and second supporting plates510and530increases, the radius of the display panel when bent can also increase.

According to the first exemplary embodiment, the first to sixth unidirectional link members110a,110b,110c,150a,150b, and150ccan have a square pillar shape.

In this embodiment, the first to sixth unidirectional link members110a,110b,110c,150a,150b, and150chave upper corner portions having a chamfered shape.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, two upper corner portions of the first to sixth unidirectional link members110a,110b,110c,150a,150b, and150care formed to have a chamfered shape. Thereby, the corner portions of the first and second unidirectional link members110aand110bfacing each other are formed to have the same chamfered shape.

Thereby, for example, when the first or second unidirectional link member110aor110bare rotated around the second direction, the first and second unidirectional link members110aand110bcan be rotated while being in contact with each other.

Similarly, when the second or third unidirectional link member110bor110care rotated around the second direction, the second and third unidirectional link members110band110ccan be rotated while being in contact with each other.

Meanwhile, as shown inFIG. 5, when the first and second unidirectional link members110aand110bare formed to have the above-mentioned shape, when the first or second unidirectional link member110aor110bare rotated around the first or second rotation axis170aor170b, they can be rotated only in one direction.

Referring toFIG. 5, the first and second unidirectional link members110aand110bcan be rotated only in an upper direction based on a plane formed by the first and second unidirectional link members110aand110b. That is, the first and second unidirectional link members110aand110bcannot be rotated in a lower direction based on the plane.

Thereby, the apparatus for supporting the display panel according to the first exemplary embodiment can bend or fold the display panel only in one direction while supporting the display panel. However, when the first and second unidirectional link members110aand110bare arranged in an inverted direction with respect toFIG. 5, the apparatus for supporting the display panel can fold or bend the display panel in the lower direction in contrast to the embodiment ofFIG. 5.

Meanwhile, in the apparatus for supporting the display panel according to the first exemplary embodiment, the first and second connecting members130aand130bcan be formed to have the same shape as the first to sixth unidirectional link members (110a,110b,110c,150a,150b, and150c).

Thereby, similar to the first to sixth unidirectional link members (110a,110b,110c,150a,150b, and150c) where the first or second connecting member130aor130bcan be rotated around the second direction, the first and second connecting members130aand130bcan also be rotated while being folded toward each other.

In addition, when the first and second connecting members130aand130bare formed to have the above-mentioned shape and the first or second connecting member130or130bis rotated around the second or 2-1-th rotation axis170bor170c, the apparatus can be rotated only in one direction along the first and second connecting members130aand130b.

That is, the first and second connecting members130aand130bcan be rotated only in an upper direction based on a plane formed by the first and second connecting members130aand130b. The first and second connecting members130aand130bcannot be rotated in a lower direction based on the plane.

Hereinafter, an apparatus for supporting a display panel according to a second exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 6 to 9. In describing the apparatus for supporting the display panel according to the second exemplary embodiment, a detailed description of the same or similar configuration as the configuration of the apparatus for supporting the display panel according to the first exemplary embodiment will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, an apparatus for supporting a display panel according to a second exemplary embodiment can bend or fold the display panel around a first direction and a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.

In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, according to the second exemplary embodiment, the display panel can be bent or folded around the first and second directions, that is, in two different directions.

Referring toFIG. 6, according to the second exemplary embodiment, when the display panel is folded around the first direction and the second direction, it can be implemented by using the first to sixth unidirectional link members110a,110b,110c,150a,150b, and150caccording to the first exemplary embodiment described above.

For example, when at least one of the first supporting plates510aand510band the second supporting plates530aand530bis rotated around the second direction, the first to sixth unidirectional link members110a,110b,110c,150a,150b, and150cdescribed above are interposed between the first and second supporting plates.

Here, the first supporting plates include a 1-1-th supporting plate510aand a 1-2-th supporting plate510b. The second supporting plates include a 2-1-th supporting plate530aand a 2-2-th supporting plate530b.

In addition, when at least one of the second supporting plates530aand530band the third supporting plates550aand550bis rotated around the second direction, the first to sixth unidirectional link members110a,110b,110c,150a,150b, and150cdescribed above are interposed between the second and third supporting plates. Here, the third supporting plates include a 3-1-th supporting plate530aand a 3-2-th supporting plate530b.

In addition, when at least one of the 1-1-th, 2-1-th, and 3-1-th supporting plates510a,530a, and550aand the 1-2-th, 2-2-th, and 3-2-th supporting plates510b,530b, and550bis rotated around the first direction, the first to sixth unidirectional link members110a,110b,110c,150a,150b, and150cdescribed above are interposed between the 1-1-th, 2-1-th, and 3-1-th supporting plates510a,530a, and550aand the 1-2-th, 2-2-th, and 3-2-th supporting plates510b,530b, and550b.

However, in a region B ofFIG. 6, a separate configuration is required at the region where the first and second directions intersect each other. Hereinafter, a configuration which can be rotated around the first and second directions as in the region B ofFIG. 6will be described in more detail.

Referring toFIG. 7, the first, second, and fifth bidirectional link members310a,310b, and310care arranged in the first direction so as to be parallel to each other. The first, second, and fifth bidirectional link members310a,310b, and310care connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the second direction.

In addition, the third, fourth, and sixth bidirectional link members330a,330b, and330care arranged in the first direction so as to be parallel to each other. The third, fourth, and sixth bidirectional link members330a,330b, and330care connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the second direction.

The first and third bidirectional link members310aand330aare arranged in the second direction so as to be parallel to each other. The first and third bidirectional link members310aand330aare connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the first direction.

In addition, the second and fourth bidirectional link members310band330bare arranged in the second direction so as to be parallel to each other. The second and fourth bidirectional link members310band330bare connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the first direction.

In addition, the fifth and sixth bidirectional link members310cand330care arranged in the second direction so as to be parallel to each other. The fifth and sixth bidirectional link members310cand330care connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the first direction.

Meanwhile, as shown inFIG. 7, the first, second, and fifth bidirectional link members310a,310b, and310care respectively connected to the first, second, and third unidirectional link members110a,110b, and110cso as to be rotatable.

That is, the first bidirectional link member310aand the first unidirectional link member110aare connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the first direction. The first bidirectional link member310aand the first unidirectional link member110aare arranged in the second direction so as to be parallel to each other.

In addition, the second bidirectional link member310band the second unidirectional link member110bare connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the first direction. In addition, the second bidirectional link member310band the second unidirectional link member110bare arranged in the second direction so as to be parallel to each other.

In addition, the fifth bidirectional link member310cand the third unidirectional link member110care connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the first direction. In addition, the fifth bidirectional link member310cand the third unidirectional link member110care arranged in the second direction so as to be parallel to each other.

Hereinabove, an embodiment in which the first to sixth bidirectional link members310a,310b,310c,330a,330b, and330care arranged in the region B ofFIG. 6has been described. However, in another embodiment in which only two unidirectional link members are arranged between the first and second supporting plates510and530, only four bidirectional link members such as the first, second, third, and fourth bidirectional link members310a,310b,330a, and330bare included.

That is, the bidirectional link members can be included so as to correspond to the number of unidirectional link members interposed between the first and second supporting plates510and530described above.

Meanwhile, the first rotation axis170apenetrates through the first and third bidirectional link members310aand330a. Thus, the first rotation axis170aalso penetrates through the first and fourth unidirectional link members110aand150aand the first connecting member130a.

That is, as shown inFIG. 7, the first rotation axis170asequentially penetrates through the fourth unidirectional link member140a, the first connecting member130a, the first unidirectional link member110a, the first bidirectional link member310a, and the third bidirectional link member330a.

In addition, the second rotation axis170bpenetrates through the second and fourth bidirectional link members310band330b. In addition, the second rotation axis170balso penetrates through the second and fifth unidirectional link members110band150band the first connecting member130a.

That is, the second rotation axis170bsequentially penetrates through the fifth unidirectional link member150b, the first connecting member130a, the second unidirectional link member110b, the second bidirectional link member310b, and the fourth bidirectional link member330b.

In addition, the 2-1-th rotation axis170cpenetrates through the second and fourth bidirectional link members310band330b. In addition, the 2-1-th rotation axis170cpenetrates through the second and fourth bidirectional link members310band330btogether with the second rotation axis170b.

In this embodiment, the 2-1-th rotation axis170calso penetrates through the second and fifth unidirectional link members110band150band the second connecting member130b. The 2-1-th rotation axis170cpenetrates through the second and fifth unidirectional link members110band150btogether with the second rotation axis170b.

That is, the 2-1-th rotation axis170csequentially penetrates through the fifth unidirectional link member150b, the second connecting member130b, the second unidirectional link member110b, the second bidirectional link member310b, and the fourth bidirectional link member330b.

In addition, the 1-1-th rotation axis170dpenetrates through the first and third bidirectional link members310aand330a. The 1-1-th rotation axis170dpenetrates through the first and third bidirectional link members310aand330atogether with the first rotation axis170a.

The 1-1-th rotation axis170dalso penetrates through the first and fourth unidirectional link members110aand150a. The 1-1-th rotation axis170dpenetrates through the first and fourth unidirectional link members110aand150atogether with the first rotation axis170a.

That is, the 1-1-th rotation axis170dsequentially penetrates through the fourth unidirectional link member150a, the first unidirectional link member110a, the first bidirectional link member310a, and the third bidirectional link member330a.

According to the second exemplary embodiment, a third rotation axis490apenetrates through the first, second, and fifth bidirectional link members310a,310b, and310c. The third rotation axis490ais arranged so as to be parallel to the first direction.

In addition, a 3-1-th rotation axis490calso penetrates through the first, second, and fifth bidirectional link members310a,310b, and310c. That is, the 3-1-th rotation axis490cpenetrates through the first, second, and fifth bidirectional link members310a,310b, and310ctogether with the third rotation axis490a. The 3-1-th rotation axis490cis arranged so as to be parallel to the third rotation axis490a.

Further, a fourth rotation axis490bpenetrates through the third, fourth, and sixth bidirectional link members330a,330b, and330c. The fourth rotation axis490bis arranged so as to be parallel to the 3-1-th rotation axis490cand the third rotation axis490a.

In addition, a 4-1-th rotation axis490dalso penetrates through the third, fourth, and sixth bidirectional link members330a,330b, and330c. That is, the 4-1-th rotation axis490dpenetrates through the third, fourth, and sixth bidirectional link members330a,330b, and330ctogether with the fourth rotation axis490b. The 4-1-th rotation axis490dis arranged so as to be parallel to the fourth rotation axis490b.

In the apparatus for supporting the display panel according to the second exemplary embodiment, similar unidirectional link members as the first, second, and third unidirectional link members are connected to the third, fourth, and sixth bidirectional link members330a,330b, and330c. Since the unidirectional link members connected to the third, fourth, and sixth bidirectional link members330a,330b, and330care similar to the first, second, and third unidirectional link members, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Meanwhile, the unidirectional link members (not shown) can be connected to the first and third bidirectional link members310aand330a. That is, inFIG. 7, the unidirectional link members can be connected to left sides of the first and third bidirectional link members310aand330a.

In addition, the unidirectional link members (not shown) can also be connected to the fifth and sixth bidirectional link members310cand330c. That is, inFIG. 7, the unidirectional link members can be connected to right sides of the fifth and sixth bidirectional link members310cand330c.

Meanwhile, according to the second exemplary embodiment, the first to sixth bidirectional link members (310a,310b,310c,330a,330b, and330c) can have a square pillar shape.

Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, all of upper corner portions of the first to sixth bidirectional link members310a,310b,310c,330a,330b, and330care formed to have a chamfered shape. Although the unidirectional link member according to the first exemplary embodiment has the two upper corner portions which are formed to have a chamfered shape, the bidirectional link member according to the second exemplary embodiment has the upper corner portions, that is, all of four corner portions, which are formed to have a chamfered shape.

Thereby, the first to sixth bidirectional link members310a,310b,310c,330a,330b, and330ccan be rotated around the first direction and the second direction, that is, in two directions.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, the first to sixth bidirectional link members310a,310b,310c,330a,330b, and330ccan be rotated in only an upper direction based on a plane formed by the first to sixth bidirectional link members310a,310b,310c,330a,330b, and330c. That is, the first to sixth bidirectional link members310a,310b,310c,330a,330b, and330ccannot be rotated in a lower direction based on the plane.

Meanwhile, according to the second exemplary embodiment, the first to fourth rotation axes170a,170b,490a, and490b, the 1-1-th and 2-1-th rotation axes170dand170c, and the 3-1 and 4-1-th rotation axes490cand490dare elastic. Thus, in some embodiments, when the rotation axes are implemented as rotation rods or rotation pins, each of the rotation rods or rotation pins is elastic.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, when the first to sixth bidirectional link members310a,310b,310c,330a,330b, and330care rotated in the first direction or the second direction, the first to fourth rotation axes170a,170b,490a, and490b, the 1-1-th and 2-1-th rotation axes170dand170c, and the 3-1 and 4-1-th rotation axes490cand490dneed to be bent. In addition, the first to sixth bidirectional link members310a,310b,310c,330a,330b, and330care again returned to the original position.

To this end, the first to fourth rotation axes170a,170b,490a, and490b, the 1-1-th and 2-1-th rotation axes170dand170c, and the 3-1 and 4-1-th rotation axes490cand490dare elastic.

According to the first and second exemplary embodiments, the apparatus for supporting the display panel can support the display panel so as to be bent or folded around the first direction or the second direction.