DISPLAY DEVICE

The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device that can prevent distortion of driving members. A display device includes: a display panel; a first main guide rail and a second main guide rail disposed on a first side and a second side of the display panel, respectively; and a first driving member disposed between the first main guide rail and the second main guide rail. The first driving member is selectively coupled to the first main guide rail from among the first main guide rail and the second main guide rail and is not coupled to the second main guide rail.

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119332 filed on Sep. 8, 2023, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the content of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device that can prevent distortion of driving members.

2. Description of the Related Art

Display devices become more and more important as multimedia technology evolves. Accordingly, a variety of types of display devices such as, for example, organic light-emitting display (OLED) devices and liquid-crystal display (LCD) devices are currently used.

Recently, with the evolution of display technology, research and development of display devices having a flexible display is ongoing. The display screen of some flexible displays can be extended or reduced by folding, bending, or sliding the display screen, which may thereby contribute greatly to reductions in volume or design changes of the display device.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a display device that can prevent distortion of driving members.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel; a first main guide rail and a second main guide rail disposed on a first side and a second side of the display panel, respectively; and a first driving member disposed between the first main guide rail and the second main guide rail, wherein the first driving member is selectively coupled to the first main guide rail from among the first main guide rail and the second main guide rail and is not coupled to the second main guide rail.

In an embodiment, the first driving member may include: rod; and a main coupler disposed at an end of the rod and coupled to the first main guide rail.

In an embodiment, the main coupler of the first driving member may include: a first protrusion protruding from the rod and facing an outer surface of the first main guide rail; and a second protrusion disposed on an opposite side of the first protrusion and facing an inner surface of the first main guide rail.

In an embodiment, the main coupler of the first driving member further may include a connector connecting the first protrusion with the second protrusion.

In an embodiment, the first driving member further may include a third protrusion protruding from an opposite end of the rod.

In an embodiment, the third protrusion faces an outer surface of the second main guide rail.

In an embodiment, the first driving member further may include an auxiliary coupler disposed on the rod.

In an embodiment, the display device may further include an auxiliary guide rail to which the auxiliary coupler is coupled.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary guide rail may include a first rail and a second rail that are spaced apart from and face each other, and define a guide hole into which the auxiliary coupler is coupled.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary coupler may include: a supporter protruding from an upper surface of the rod; and a locking means disposed on the supporter and inserted into the guide hole.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary coupler is disposed at a center of the rod.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary coupler may include a first auxiliary coupler disposed adjacent to an end of the rod; and a second auxiliary coupler disposed adjacent to an opposite end of the rod.

In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a first auxiliary guide rail to which the first auxiliary coupler is coupled; and a second auxiliary guide rail to which the second auxiliary coupler is coupled.

In an embodiment, the first auxiliary guide rail and the second auxiliary guide rail are disposed between the first main guide rail and the second main guide rail.

In an embodiment, the first auxiliary guide rail is disposed adjacent to the first main guide rail, and the second auxiliary guide rail is disposed adjacent to the second main guide rail.

In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a second driving member disposed adjacent to the first driving member between the first main guide rail and the second main guide rail, wherein the second driving member is selectively coupled to the second main guide rail from among the first main guide rail and the second main guide rail and is not coupled to the first main guide rail.

In an embodiment, the second driving member may include: a rod; and a main coupler disposed at an end of the rod and coupled to the second main guide rail.

In an embodiment, the main coupler of the second driving member may include: a first protrusion protruding from the rod and facing an outer surface of the second main guide rail; and a second protrusion disposed on an opposite side of the first protrusion and facing an inner surface of the second main guide rail.

In an embodiment, the main coupler of the first driving member further may include a connector connecting the first protrusion with the second protrusion.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel; a first main guide rail and a second main guide rail disposed on a first side and a second side of the display panel, respectively; an auxiliary guide rail disposed between the first main guide rail and the second main guide rail; and a driving member disposed between the first main guide rail and the second main guide rail and coupled to the auxiliary guide rail.

In an embodiment, an end of the driving member may face an outer surface of the first main guide rail, and an opposite end of the driving member may face an outer surface of the second main guide rail.

In an embodiment, the driving member may include an auxiliary coupler coupled to the auxiliary guide rail.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel; a first main guide rail and a second main guide rail disposed on a first side and a second side of the display panel, respectively; and a driving member disposed between the first main guide rail and the second main guide rail, wherein the driving member includes a first sub-driving member and a second sub-driving member that are separated from each other and coupled to the first main guide rail and the second main guide rail, respectively.

In an embodiment, the first sub-driving member may include a first main coupler coupled to the first main guide rail, and the second sub-driving member may include a second main coupler coupled to the second main guide rail.

In an embodiment, the first sub-driving member may include a first auxiliary coupler, and the second sub-driving member may include a second auxiliary coupler.

In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a first auxiliary guide rail to which the first auxiliary coupler is coupled; and a second auxiliary guide rail to which the second auxiliary coupler is coupled.

A display device of the present disclosure can provide the following effects:First, distortion of driving members and a display panel can be prevented;Second, the fabrication cost of the display device can be reduced;Third, the weight of the driving members can be reduced;Fourth, the friction between the driving members and main guide rails can be reduced; andFifth, the driving force for driving the driving members can be distributed.

The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and other effects which are not described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a plan view of a display device10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.2is a view for illustrating the expanded shape of the display panel PNL ofFIG.1.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of the display device10taken along line I-I′ ofFIG.1when viewed in the direction indicated by an arrow.

The display device10according to the embodiment may be a sliding display device10or a slideable display device10that can slide. In some embodiments, the display device10may be, but is not limited to, a single-direction slideable display device10(also referred to herein as a single-slideable display device10) that can slide in one direction (e.g., a first direction DR1and a direction opposite to the first direction DR1). For example, the display device10according to some embodiments may be a multi-direction slideable display device10(also referred to herein as a multi-slidable display device10) capable of sliding in multiple directions (e.g., the first direction DR1and the direction opposite to the first direction DR1, and a second direction DR2and a direction opposite to the second direction DR2). The following description will focus on a single-slidable display device10, but aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The display device10according to the embodiments described herein may include a display panel PNL, a first support plate201, a second support plate202, a first main guide rail MGR1, a second main guide rail MGR2, a first auxiliary guide rail AGR1, and a second auxiliary guide rail AGR2, as illustrated inFIGS.1to3.

The display panel PNL may display images thereon. Embodiments of the present disclosure support employing any suitable type of display panel as the display panel PNL, such as, for example, an organic light-emitting display panel including an organic light-emitting layer, a micro light-emitting diode display panel using micro LEDs, a quantum-dot light-emitting display panel using quantum-dot light-emitting diodes including quantum-dot light-emitting layer, and an inorganic light-emitting display panel using inorganic light-emitting elements including an inorganic semiconductor.

The display panel PNL may be a flexible panel. The display panel PNL may have flexibility such that the display panel PNL can be partially rolled, bent, or curved along a first main guide rail MGR1and a second main guide rail MGR2. The display panel PNL may slide in the first direction DR1and the direction opposite to the first direction DR1(hereinafter referred to as a first opposite direction).

The outer surface (e.g., the surface illustrated inFIG.1) of the display panel PNL may be a surface on which images are displayed. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the display panel PNL may face the first support plate201. The inner surface of the display panel PNL may be disposed opposite to the outer surface of the display panel PNL. The inner and outer surfaces of the first support plate201, which will be described later, may be disposed on opposite sides of each other, and the outer and inner surfaces of the second support plate202may be disposed on opposite sides of each other.

The area of the display area of the display panel PNL may vary based on whether the display device10is slid open or is closed. For example, when the display device10is closed or is not slid open (hereinafter referred to as a first state or closed state), the display panel PNL may have a first display area DA_1of a first area. In an example in which the display device10is slid open (hereinafter referred to as a second state or open state), the display area may further include an expanded second display area DA_2in addition to the first display area DA_1. In some aspects, the area of the display area in the first state and the area of the display area in the second state may vary based on the degree of sliding of the display device10. For example, as the degree of sliding of the display device10increases, the area of the display area in the first state or the area of the display area in the second state may increase. Expressed another way, the area of the display area of the display panel PNL may vary based on the state of the display device10. In the open state, the area of the display area of the display panel PNL may be based on the degree of the open state (e.g., the amount in which the display device10is slid open).

The display panel PNL may be disposed on the outer surface of the first support plate201. The display panel PNL may be attached to the outer surface of the first support plate201. For example, the inner surface of the display panel PNL may be attached to the outer surface of the first support plate201. The display panel PNL may be fixed to the first support plate201. The first support plate201may be formed of a flexible material that can be bent.

The second support plate202may be disposed on the inner surface of the first support plate201. The second support plate202may be attached to the inner surface of the first support plate201. For example, the outer surface of the second support plate202may be attached to the inner surface of the first support plate201. The second support plate202may be fixed to the first support plate201. The second support plate202may be formed of a flexible material that can be bent.

A plurality of driving members100aand100bmay be disposed on the inner surface of the second support plate202. For example, the plurality of driving members100aand100bmay be disposed on the second support plate202such that the plurality of driving members100aand100bare equally spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The plurality of driving members100aand100bmay be arranged parallel to each other. A plurality of driving members100aand100bmay be attached to the inner surface of the first support plate201. The plurality of driving members100aand100bmay be fixed to the first support plate201.

The first main guide rail MGR1may be disposed on a side of the display panel PNL.

The second main guide rail MGR2may be disposed on the opposite side of the display panel PNL. In other words, the second main guide rail MGR2may be disposed opposite (e.g., on the opposite side of) the first main guide rail MGR1. For example, the first main guide rail MGR1and the second main guide rail MGR2may be disposed on opposite sides of each other in the second direction DR2. In some aspects, the first main guide rail MGR1and the second main guide rail MGR2may face away from each other in the second direction DR2. Alternatively, the first main guide rail MGR1and the second main guide rail MGR2may face each other in the second direction DR2.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1and the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2may be disposed between the first main guide rail MGR1and the second main guide rail MGR2. The first auxiliary guide rail AGR1may be disposed opposite (e.g., on the opposite side of) the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2. The first auxiliary guide rail AGR1may be disposed adjacent to the first main guide rail MGR1, and the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2may be disposed adjacent to the second main guide rail MGR2.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the plurality of driving members100aand100bmay be disposed between the first main guide rail MGR1and the second main guide rail MGR2.

The driving members100aand100bmay be movably coupled to one of the first main guide rail MGR1and the second main guide rail MGR2. In some aspects, the driving members100aand100bmay be movably coupled to the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1and the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2.

FIG.4is a perspective view of the display device10ofFIG.1.FIG.5is a cut-away view of the first main guide rail MGR1in the display device10ofFIG.4.FIG.6is a first enlarged view of area A ofFIG.5.FIG.7is a side view of area A illustrated atFIG.6.FIG.8is a second enlarged view of area A ofFIG.5.FIG.9is a plan view of the driving members100aand100band the second support plate202according to the embodiment ofFIG.5.

In the first enlarged view illustrated inFIG.6, the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1is not illustrated among the elements of area A ofFIG.5so as not to obstruct from the descriptions herein. In the second enlarged view illustrated inFIG.8, the first main guide rail MGR1and the coupler are not illustrated among the elements of area A ofFIG.5so as not to obstruct from the descriptions herein.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the first main guide rail MGR1may be disposed on a side of the display panel PNL. The first main guide rail MGR1may have an elliptical shape. Although not illustrated inFIG.4, the second main guide rail MGR2may have the same configuration as the first main guide rail MGR1. For example, the second main guide rail MGR2may have an elliptical shape which is identical or substantially identical to the elliptical shape of the first main guide rail MGR1.

As illustrated inFIGS.3,5,6,7and9, the plurality of driving members100aand100bmay be coupled with one of the first main guide rail MGR1and the second main guide rail MGR2. In other words, the plurality of driving members100aand100bmay be movably coupled to one of the first main guide rail MGR1and the second main guide rail MGR2. For example, the plurality of driving members100aand100bmay move in the first main guide rail MGR1and the second main guide rail MGR2.

As illustrated inFIGS.3and9, each of the driving members100aand100bmay have a bar shape extended in the second direction DR2.

Each of the driving members100aand100bmay be selectively coupled to one of the first main guide rail MGR1and the second main guide rail MGR2, without being coupled to the other of the first main guide rail MGR1and the second main guide rail MGR2. For example, each of the driving members100aand100bmay be selectively coupled to one of (e.g., only one of) the first main guide rail MGR1and the second main guide rail MGR2. In an example, the first driving member100amay be coupled to the first main guide rail MGR1, and the second driving member100bmay be coupled to the second main guide rail MGR2, where the driving member disposed in the odd-numbered column (or even-numbered column) is defined as the first driving member100awith respect to the first direction DR1, and the driving member disposed in the even-numbered column (or odd-numbered column) is defined as the second driving member100bwith respect to the first direction DR1. The first driving member100aand the second driving member100bmay be arranged alternately. In other words, a plurality of first driving members100aand a plurality of second driving members100bmay be arranged alternately.

In some aspects, as illustrated inFIGS.3,5,6,7and9, the plurality of driving members100aand100bmay be movably connected to the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1and the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2. For example, each of the plurality of first driving members100amay be movably coupled to the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1and the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2, and each of the plurality of second driving members100bmay be movably coupled to the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1and the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2.

As illustrated inFIGS.3,5,8and9, the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1may include a first rail R11and a second rail R12that face each other and are spaced apart from each other. A guide hole GHa may be located between the first rail R11and the second rail R12. For example, the first rail R11and the second rail R12may define the guide hole GHa.

As illustrated inFIGS.3,5,8and9, the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2may include a first rail R21and a second rail R22that face each other and are spaced apart from each other. A guide hole GHb may be located between the first rail R21and the second rail R22. For example, the first rail R21and the second rail R22may define the guide hole GHb. The configuration of the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2may be identical to or substantially the same as the configuration of the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1described herein.

Each of the driving members100aand100bmay be coupled to the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1and the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2. For example, each of the driving members100aand100bmay be coupled into the guide hole GHa of the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1and the guide hole GHb of the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2.

As described herein, each of the driving members100aand100bis coupled to the first main guide rail MGR1or the second main guide rail MGR2and may also be coupled to the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1and the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2. For example, the first driving member100amay be coupled to the first main guide rail MGR1, the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1, and the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2. In the example, the second driving member100bmay be coupled to the second main guide rail MGR2, the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1, and the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2.

As illustrated inFIG.9, a first driving member100amay include a rod110a,a main coupler120a,a first auxiliary coupler131a, and a second auxiliary coupler132a.

The rod110aof the first driving member100amay have a bar shape extended in the second direction DR2.

The main coupler120aof the first driving member100amay be disposed at an end of the rod110a.The main coupler120aof the first driving member100amay be coupled to the first main guide rail MGR1.

The first auxiliary coupler131aof the first driving member100amay be disposed on the rod110asuch that the first auxiliary coupler131ais adjacent to an end (or the main coupler120a) of the first driving member100a.For example, the first auxiliary coupler131aof the first driving member100amay be disposed on the rod110abetween an end (or the main coupler120a) of the rod110aand the center of the rod110a.The end and the other end of the rod110aof the first driving member100amay be disposed on opposite sides of each other. For example, an end of the rod110aof the first driving member100amay be disposed adjacent to the first main guide rail MGR1, and the other end of the rod110aof the second driving member100bmay be disposed adjacent to the second main guide rail MGR2.

The second auxiliary coupler132aof the first driving member100amay be disposed on the rod110asuch that the second auxiliary coupler132ais adjacent to the other end of the first driving member100a.For example, the second auxiliary coupler132aof the first driving member100amay be disposed on the rod110abetween the other end of the rod110aand the center of the rod110a.

The rod110a,the main coupler120a,the first auxiliary coupler131a, and the second auxiliary coupler132aof the first driving member100amay be formed as one body.

The second driving member100bmay include a rod110b,a main coupler120b,a first auxiliary coupler131b,and a second auxiliary coupler132b,as illustrated inFIG.9.

The rod110bof the second driving member100bmay have a bar shape extended in the second direction DR2.

The main coupler120bof the second driving member100bmay be disposed at the other end of the rod110b.The main coupler120bof the second driving member100bmay be coupled to the second main guide rail MGR2.

The first auxiliary coupler131bof the second driving member100bmay be disposed on the rod110bsuch that the first auxiliary coupler131bis adjacent to an end of the second driving member100b.For example, the first auxiliary coupler131bof the second driving member100bmay be disposed on the rod110bbetween the end of the rod110band the center of the rod110b.The end and the other end of the rod110bof the second driving member100bmay be disposed on opposite sides of each other. For example, the end of the rod110aof the second driving member100bmay be disposed adjacent to the first main guide rail MGR1, and the other end of the rod110aof the second driving member100bmay be disposed adjacent to the second main guide rail MGR2.

The second auxiliary coupler132bof the second driving member100bmay be disposed on the rod110such that the second auxiliary coupler132bis adjacent to the other end (or the main coupler120b) of the second driving member100b.For example, the second auxiliary coupler132bof the second driving member100bmay be disposed on the rod110bbetween the other end (or the main coupler120b) of the rod110band the center of the rod110b.

The rod110b,the main coupler120b,the first auxiliary coupler131b,and the second auxiliary coupler132bof the second driving member100bmay be formed as one body.

According to the embodiments described herein, the first main guide rail MGR1may include a straight portion and a curved portion as illustrated inFIG.7, and the thickness of the straight portion may be different from the thickness of the curved portion. For example, the thickness of the curved portion may be greater than the thickness of the straight portion. Alternatively, the thickness of the straight portion may be equal to the thickness of the curved portion.

In some embodiments, characteristics of the second main guide rail MGR2may be identical or substantially identical to characteristics of the first main guide rail MGR1. For example, the second main guide rail MGR2may include a straight portion and a curved portion, and the thickness of the straight portion may be different from the thickness of the curved portion. For example, the thickness of the curved portion may be greater than the thickness of the straight portion. Alternatively, the thickness of the straight portion may be equal to the thickness of the curved portion.

FIG.10is a perspective view of the first driving member100aofFIG.9.FIG.11is an enlarged view of portion A ofFIG.10.FIG.12is an enlarged view of portion B ofFIG.10.

As illustrated inFIG.10, a first driving member100amay include a rod110a,a main coupler120a,a first auxiliary coupler131a, and a second auxiliary coupler132a.

As described herein, the main coupler120aof the first driving member100amay be disposed at an end of the rod110a.The first main coupler120aof the first driving member100amay include a first protrusion121a,a second protrusion122aand a connector123a,as illustrated inFIG.11. The main coupler120amay have, for example, a rectangular cross-section or a circular cross-section.

The first protrusion121aof the first driving member100amay protrude from the rod110a.For example, the first protrusion121amay protrude in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2(hereinafter referred to as the second opposite direction).

The second protrusion122aof the first driving member100amay face the first protrusion121a. The second protrusion122amay protrude in the second opposite direction. The second protrusion122amay be parallel to the first protrusion121a. The first main guide rail MGR1may be disposed between the first protrusion121aand the second protrusion122aof the first driving member100a.In other words, the first driving member100amay be coupled to the first main guide rail MGR1by the first protrusion121aand the second protrusion122aof the main coupler120a.In an example in which the first driving member100ais coupled to the first main guide rail MGR1, the first protrusion121aof the first driving member100amay face the outer surface (or outer peripheral surface) of the first main guide rail MGR1, and the second protrusion122aof the first driving member100amay face the inner surface (or inner peripheral surface) of the first main guide rail MGR1.

The connector123aof the first driving member100amay connect the first protrusion121awith the second protrusion122a.The connector123amay protrude from the first protrusion121ain the third direction DR3. The connector123amay be disposed between the first protrusion121aand the second protrusion122a.One side of the connector123amay be connected to the first protrusion121a, and the opposite side of the connector123amay be connected to the second protrusion122a.The first protrusion121a,the second protrusion122a, and the connector123amay be formed as one body.

The main coupler120aincluding the first protrusion121a,the second protrusion122a, and the connector123amay have, for example, a C-shape or a U-shape.

The first auxiliary coupler131aof the first driving member100amay include a supporter1311aand a locking means1312a,as illustrated inFIG.11.

The supporter1311aof the first auxiliary coupler131aof the first driving member100amay protrude from the upper surface of the rod110ain the third direction DR3. The upper surface of the rod110amay be opposite to the lower surface of the rod110a,and the lower surface of the rod110amay face the second support plate202described herein. In other words, the upper surface of the rod110amay be a side of the rod110adisposed on the opposite side of the second support plate202.

The locking means1312aof the first auxiliary coupler131aof the first driving member100amay be disposed on the supporter1311aof the first auxiliary coupler131a. The size of the locking means1312ain the second direction DR2may be greater than the size of the supporter1311ain the second direction DR2such that both ends of the locking means1312aare not supported by the supporter1311a.That is, for example, the locking means1312amay be formed such that both ends of the locking means1312aare in indirect contact with the supporter1311a(e.g., via a center portion of the locking means1312a). Accordingly, a space may be formed between an end of the locking means1312aand the upper surface of the rod110a(e.g., in the third direction DR3), and a space may be formed between the opposite end of the locking means1312aand the upper surface of the rod110a(e.g., in the third direction DR3). The supporter1311aand the locking means1312a(also referred to herein as an engaging portion) may be formed as one body. The locking means1312aof the first auxiliary coupler131aof the first driving member100amay be inserted into a guide hole GHa of the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1. In an example in which the first auxiliary coupler131ais coupled to the guide hole GHa of the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1, both ends of the locking means1312amay face the inner surfaces (or inner peripheral surfaces) of the first rail R11and the second rail R12of the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1, respectively.

The first auxiliary coupler131aincluding the supporter1311aand the locking means1312aof the first driving member100amay have, for example, a T-shape.

The second auxiliary coupler132aof the first driving member100amay include a supporter1321aand a locking means1322a,as illustrated inFIG.12. The second auxiliary coupler132aof the first driving member100amay have substantially the same configuration as the first auxiliary coupler131aof the first driving member100adescribed herein, and the redundant descriptions will be omitted. The locking means1322aof the second auxiliary coupler132aof the first driving member100amay be inserted into a guide hole GHb of the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2. In an example in which the second auxiliary coupler132ais coupled to the guide hole GHb of the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2, both ends of the locking means1322aof the second auxiliary coupler132amay face the inner surfaces (or inner peripheral surfaces) of the first rail R11and the second rail R12of the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2, respectively.

As illustrated inFIG.12, a third protrusion333amay be disposed at the other end of the first driving member100a.The third protrusion333amay protrude from the other end of the first driving member100ain the second direction DR2. The third protrusion333aof the first driving member100amay face the outer surface (or outer peripheral surface) of the second main guide rail MGR2.

FIG.13is a perspective view of the second driving member100bofFIG.9.FIG.14is an enlarged view of area A ofFIG.13.FIG.15is an enlarged view of area B ofFIG.13.

The second driving member100bmay include a rod110b,a main coupler120b,a first auxiliary coupler131b,and a second auxiliary coupler132b,as illustrated inFIG.13.

The main coupler120bof the second driving member100bmay be disposed at an end of the rod110b(also referred to herein as the opposite an end of the rod110b,as described herein). The main coupler120bof the second driving member100bmay include a first protrusion121b,a second protrusion122b,and a connector123b,as illustrated inFIG.14.

The first protrusion121bof the second driving member100bmay protrude from the rod110b.For example, the first protrusion121bmay protrude in the second direction DR2.

The second protrusion122bof the second driving member100bmay face the first protrusion121b.The second protrusion122bmay protrude in the second direction DR2. The second protrusion122bmay be arranged parallel to the first protrusion121b.The second main guide rail MGR2may be disposed between the first protrusion121band the second protrusion122bof the second driving member100b.In other words, the second driving member100bmay be coupled to the second main guide rail MGR2by the first protrusion121band the second protrusion122bof the main coupler120b.In an example in which the second driving member100bis coupled to the second main guide rail MGR2, the first protrusion121bof the second driving member100bmay face the outer surface (or outer peripheral surface) of the second main guide rail MGR2, and the second protrusion122bof the second driving member100bmay face the inner surface (or inner peripheral surface) of the second main guide rail MGR2.

The connector123bof the second driving member100bmay connect the first protrusion121bwith the second protrusion122b.The connector123bmay protrude from the first protrusion121bin the third direction DR3. The connector123bmay be disposed between the first protrusion121band the second protrusion122b.One side of the connector123bmay be connected to the first protrusion121b,and the opposite side of the connector123bmay be connected to the second protrusion122b.The first protrusion121b,the second protrusion122b, and the connector123bmay be formed as one body.

The main coupler120bincluding the first protrusion121b,the second protrusion122b,and the connector123bmay have, for example, a C-shape or a U-shape.

The first auxiliary coupler131bof the second driving member100bmay include a supporter1311band a locking means1312b,as illustrated inFIG.14. The first auxiliary coupler131bof the second driving member100bis substantially identical to the first auxiliary coupler131aof the first driving member100adescribed herein, and the redundant descriptions will be omitted.

The second auxiliary coupler132aof the second driving member100bmay include a supporter1321band a locking means1322b,as illustrated inFIG.15. The second auxiliary coupler132bof the second driving member100bis substantially identical to the second auxiliary coupler132aof the first driving member100adescribed herein, and the redundant descriptions will be omitted.

In some aspects, as illustrated inFIG.15, a third protrusion333bmay be disposed on an end of the second driving member100b.The third protrusion333bmay protrude from the end of the second driving member100bin the second opposite direction. The third protrusion333bof the second driving member100bmay face the outer surface (or outer peripheral surface) of the first main guide rail MGR1. The third protrusion333bof the second driving member100bmay be substantially identical to the third protrusion333aof the first driving member100adescribed herein, and the redundant descriptions will be omitted.

It should be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure support changing the number and location of the auxiliary couplers131a,132a,131band132bin various ways supportive of the display device10.

FIG.16is a plan view of a plurality of driving members100aand100band the second support plate202according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

The display device10ofFIG.16may include aspects of a display device10as described herein, and repeated descriptions of like elements are omitted for brevity. The display device10ofFIG.16is different from the display device10ofFIG.9in that auxiliary couplers and an auxiliary guide rail are disposed at different positions. The following description will focus on the difference between the display device10ofFIG.10and the display device10ofFIG.9.

As illustrated inFIG.16, for each of the first driving members100aand second driving members100b,the auxiliary coupler130aof each first driving member100amay be disposed at the center of the rod110aof the first driving member100a,and the auxiliary coupler130bof each second driving member100bmay be disposed at the center of the rod110bof the second driving member100b.

The auxiliary coupler130aof the first driving member100aand the auxiliary coupler130bof the second driving member100bmay be arranged in a row along the first direction DR1. In the example illustrated atFIG.16, the auxiliary couplers130aof the first driving members100aand the auxiliary couplers130bof the second driving members100bmay be arranged in a row along the first direction DR1.

Accordingly, for example, the auxiliary guide rail AGR may be located along the center of the plurality of driving members100aand100b.

Each of the auxiliary couplers130aand130bofFIG.16may have the same configuration as the first auxiliary coupler131aofFIG.9described herein, and the auxiliary guide rail AGR ofFIG.16may have the same configuration as the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1ofFIG.9described herein. The first rail R1and the second rail R2of the auxiliary guide rail AGR may be identical to the first rail R11and the second rail R11of the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1illustrated inFIG.9described herein, respectively.

FIG.17is a plan view of a plurality of driving members100aand100band a second support plate202according to an embodiment.FIG.18is a perspective view of the first driving member100aofFIG.17.

The display device10ofFIG.17may include aspects of a display device10as described herein, and repeated descriptions of like elements are omitted for brevity. The display device10ofFIG.17is different from the display device10ofFIG.16in that the first driving member100aand the second driving member100bhave different configurations. The following description will focus on the difference between the display device10ofFIG.17and the display device10ofFIG.16.

As illustrated inFIGS.17and18, the first driving member100amay include a rod110aand an auxiliary coupler130a.

The rod110aof the first driving member100amay include a first protrusion351aand a second protrusion352adisposed on opposite sides in the second direction DR2.

The first protrusion351aof the first driving member100amay be disposed at an end of the rod110a,and the second protrusion352aof the first driving member100amay be disposed at the other end of the rod110a.

The first protrusion351aof the first driving member100amay be disposed on the outer surface of the first main guide rail MGR1, and the second protrusion352aof the first driving member100amay be disposed on the outer surface of the second main guide rail MGR2. In other words, the first protrusion351aof the first driving member100amay face the outer surface of the first main guide rail MGR1, and the second protrusion352aof the first driving member100amay face the outer surface of the second main guide rail MGR2.

The first protrusion351aof the first driving member100amay be identical to the third protrusion333bof the second driving member100billustrated inFIG.9described herein.

The second protrusion352aof the first driving member100amay be identical to the third protrusion333aof the first driving member100aillustrated inFIG.9described herein.

It should be noted that the second driving member100bofFIG.17may have the same configuration as the first driving member100aofFIG.17. In other words, the first driving member100aand the second driving member100bofFIG.17may be identical.

In some aspects, according to an embodiment, the second driving member100bofFIG.17may have the same configuration as the second driving member100bofFIGS.9and16.

FIG.19is a plan view of a plurality of driving members100aand100band the second support plate202according to an embodiment.

The display device10ofFIG.19may include aspects of a display device10as described herein, and repeated descriptions of like elements are omitted for brevity. The display device10ofFIG.19is different from the display device10ofFIG.17in that the display device10ofFIG.19includes a first auxiliary coupler131aand a second auxiliary coupler132ainstead of the auxiliary coupler130adescribed with reference toFIG.17. The following description will focus on the difference between the display device10ofFIG.19and the display device10ofFIG.17.

As illustrated inFIG.19, the first driving member100amay include a first auxiliary coupler131aand a second auxiliary coupler132a.That is, for example, each of the first driving members100amay include a first auxiliary coupler131aand a second auxiliary coupler132a.

The first auxiliary coupler131aand the second auxiliary coupler132aof the first driving member100amay be identical to the first auxiliary coupler131aand the second auxiliary coupler131aof the first driving member100aas illustrated inFIG.9described herein, respectively.

It should be noted that the second driving member100bofFIG.19may have the same configuration as the first driving member100aofFIG.19. In other words, the first driving member100aand the second driving member100bofFIG.19may be identical.

In some aspects, according to an embodiment, the second driving member100bofFIG.19may have the same configuration as the second driving member100bofFIGS.9,16and17.

FIG.20is a plan view of a plurality of driving members100aand100band the second support plate202according to an embodiment.FIG.21is a perspective view of the first driving member100aofFIG.20.FIG.22is an enlarged view of area A ofFIG.21.FIG.23is an enlarged view of area B ofFIG.21.

As illustrated inFIGS.20and21, the first driving member100amay include a first sub-driving member100aS1and a second sub-driving member100aS2that are separated from each other.

The first sub-driving member100aS1may be coupled to the first main guide rail MGR1. For example, one side of the first sub-driving member100aS1may be coupled to the first main guide rail MGR1.

The first sub-driving member100aS1may include a first rod110aS1and a first main coupler120aS1.

The first main coupler120aS1of the first sub-driving member100aS1may be disposed at an end of the first rod110aS1. The first main coupler120aS1of the first sub-driving member100aS1may be coupled to the first main guide rail MGR1.

The first main coupler120aS1of the first sub-driving member100aS1may include a first protrusion121aS1, a second protrusion122aS1, and a connector123aS1, as illustrated inFIGS.21and22.

The first protrusion121aS1of the first sub-driving member100aS1may protrude from the first rod110aS1. For example, the first protrusion121aS1may protrude in the second opposite direction.

The second protrusion122aS1of the first sub-driving member100aS1may face the first protrusion121aS1. The second protrusion122aS1may protrude in the second opposite direction. The second protrusion122aS1may be arranged parallel to the first protrusion121aS1. The first main guide rail MGR1may be disposed between the first protrusion121aS1and the second protrusion122aS1of the first driving member100aS1. In other words, the first sub-driving member100aS1may be coupled to the first main guide rail MGR1by the first protrusion121aS1and the second protrusion122aS1of the main coupler120aS1. In an example in which the first sub-driving member100aS1is coupled to the first main guide rail MGR1, the first protrusion121aS1of the first sub-driving member100aS1may face the outer surface (or outer peripheral surface) of the first main guide rail MGR1, and the second protrusion122aS1of the first sub-driving member100amay face the inner surface (or inner peripheral surface) of the first main guide rail MGR1.

The connector123aS1of the first sub-driving member100aS1may connect the first protrusion121aS1with the second protrusion122aS1. The connector123aS1may protrude from the first protrusion121aS1in the third direction DR3. The connector123aS1may be disposed between the first protrusion121aS1and the second protrusion122aS1. One side of the connector123aS1may be connected to the first protrusion121aS1, and the opposite side of the connector123aS1may be connected to the second protrusion122aS1. The first protrusion121aS1, the second protrusion122aS2, and the connector123aS1may be formed as one body.

The first main coupler120aS1including the first protrusion121aS1, the second protrusion122aS1, and the connector123aS1may have, for example, a C-shape or a U-shape.

The second sub-driving member100aS2may be coupled to the second main guide rail MGR2. For example, one side of the second sub-driving member100aS2may be coupled to the second main guide rail MGR2.

The second sub-driving member100aS2may include a second rod110aS2and a second main coupler120aS2.

The second main coupler120aS2of the second sub-driving member100aS2may be disposed at an end of the second rod110aS2. The second main coupler120aS2of the second sub-driving member100aS2may be coupled to the second main guide rail MGR2.

The second main coupler120aS2of the second sub-driving member100aS2may include a first protrusion121aS2, a second protrusion122aS, and a connector123aS2, as illustrated inFIGS.21and23.

The first protrusion121aS2of the second sub-driving member100aS2may protrude from the second rod110aS2. For example, the first protrusion121aS2may protrude in the second direction DR2.

The second protrusion122aS2of the second sub-driving member100aS2may face the first protrusion121aS2. The second protrusion122aS2may protrude in the second direction DR2. The second protrusion122aS2may be parallel to the first protrusion121aS2. The second main guide rail MGR2may be disposed between the first protrusion121aS2and the second protrusion122aS2of the second driving member100aS2. In other words, the second sub-driving member100aS2may be coupled to the second main guide rail MGR2by the first protrusion121aS2and the second protrusion122aS2of the second main coupler120aS2. In an example in which the second sub-driving member100aS2is coupled to the second main guide rail MGR2, the first protrusion121aS2of the second sub-driving member100aS2may face the outer surface (or outer peripheral surface) of the second main guide rail MGR2, and the second protrusion122aS2of the second sub-driving member100aS2may face the inner surface (or inner peripheral surface) of the second main guide rail MGR2.

The connector123aS2of the second sub-driving member100aS2may connect the first protrusion121aS2with the second protrusion122aS2. The connector123aS2may protrude from the first protrusion121aS2in the third direction DR3. The connector123aS2may be disposed between the first protrusion121aS2and the second protrusion122aS2. One side of the connector123aS2may be connected to the first protrusion121aS2, and the opposite side of the connector123aS2may be connected to the second protrusion122aS2. The first protrusion121aS2, the second protrusion122aS2, and the connector123aS2may be formed as one body.

The second main coupler120aS2including the first protrusion121aS2, the second protrusion122aS2, and the connector123aS2may have, for example, a C-shape or a U-shape.

The opposite end of the first sub-driving member100aS1of the first driving member100aand the opposite end of the second sub-driving member100aS2of the first driving member100amay face each other. For example, the opposite end of the first sub-driving member100aS1and the opposite end of the second sub-driving member100aS2may face each other in the second direction DR2.

It should be noted that the second driving member100bofFIG.20may have the same configuration as the first driving member100aofFIG.19. For example, the second driving member100bmay include a first sub-driving member100bS1and a second sub-driving member100bS2that are separated from each other. The first sub-driving member100bS1of the second driving member100bmay be coupled to the first main guide rail MGR1, and the second sub-driving member100bS2of the second driving member100bmay be coupled to the second main guide rail MGR2.

In some aspects, according to an embodiment, the second driving member100bofFIG.20may have the same configuration or substantially the same configuration as the second driving member100bofFIGS.9,16and17.

FIG.24is a plan view of a plurality of driving members100aand100band the second support plate202according to an embodiment.

The display device10ofFIG.24may include aspects of a display device10described herein, and repeated descriptions of like elements are omitted for brevity. The display device10ofFIG.24is different from the display device10ofFIG.20in that the display device10ofFIG.24further includes a first auxiliary coupler131aS1and a second auxiliary coupler132aS1. The following description will focus on the difference between the display device10ofFIG.24and the display device10ofFIG.20.

As illustrated inFIG.24, a first sub-driving member100aS1of a first driving member100amay further include a first auxiliary coupler131aS1, and the second sub-driving member100aS2of the first driving member100amay further include a second auxiliary coupler132aS2. That is, for example, each of the first sub-driving members100aS1may include a first auxiliary coupler131aS1, and each of the second sub-driving members100aS2may include a second auxiliary coupler132aS2.

The first auxiliary coupler131aS1and the second auxiliary coupler132aS2ofFIG.24may be identical to the first auxiliary coupler131aand the second auxiliary coupler132aofFIG.19described herein, respectively.

It should be noted that the second driving member100bofFIG.24may have the same configuration as the first driving member100aofFIG.24. For example, the first sub-driving member100bS1of the second driving member100bmay further include the first auxiliary coupler131bS1, and the second sub-driving member100bS2of the second driving member100bmay further include the second auxiliary coupler132bS2. That is, for example, each of the first sub-driving members100bS1may include a first auxiliary coupler131bS1, and each of the second sub-driving members100bS2may include a second auxiliary coupler132bS2.

In some aspects, according to an embodiment, the second driving member100bofFIG.24may have the same configuration as the second driving member100bofFIGS.9,16,17and20.

FIG.25is a view for illustrating the expanded shape of the display panel PNL ofFIG.5.

As illustrated inFIG.25, when the display device10slides open or is slid open (e.g., partially or fully open), i.e., the display device10is in the second state, the display area may further include an expanded second display area DA_2in addition to the first display area DA_1.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.25, the first driving members100amove counterclockwise along a first main guide rail MGR1, a first auxiliary guide rail AGR1, and a second auxiliary guide rail AGR2. In some aspects, although not illustrated in the drawings, the second driving members100bmay move counterclockwise along a second main guide rail MGR2, a first auxiliary guide rail AGR1, and a second auxiliary guide rail AGR2.

In other words, as the first driving members100aand the second driving members100bmove counterclockwise along the first main guide rail MGR1(or the second main guide rail MGR2), the first auxiliary guide rail AGR1, and the second auxiliary guide rail AGR2, the display area of the display panel PNL may expand.

In the display device according to the embodiments described herein, since one driving member is selectively coupled to one of (e.g., only one) of the two main guide rails MGR1and MGR2, the selective coupling supports the prevention of distortion of the driving member when the driving member moves. That is, for example, the selective coupling of each driving member (e.g., a first driving member100a,a second driving member100b) to one of the two main guide rails MGR1and MGR2supports the prevention of distortion of the driving member when the driving member moves. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure as described herein may prevent distortion such as, for example, bending of the driving member, misalignment of the driving member, imbalance of the driving member, and the like.

For example, in some other display devices, when a main coupler is installed at each of the both ends of the rod of the driving member, if the main coupler at an end (hereinafter referred to as a first main coupler) and the main coupler at the other end (hereinafter referred to as a second main coupler) are not properly aligned, the driving timing of the first main coupler coupled to the first main guide rail may not coincide with the driving timing of the second main coupler coupled to the second main guide rail. When this happens, the driving member including the first main coupler and the second main coupler may be distorted. In contrast, according to the example embodiments of the present disclosure, one driving member is connected to one main guide rail through one coupler in the display device (e.g., each first driving member100ais coupled to the first main guide rail MGR1through a respective main coupler120a,each second driving member100bis coupled to the second main guide rail MGR2through a respective main coupler120b), and no alignment issue occurs between the main couplers. As a result, the prevention of the alignment issue may prevent distortion of the driving members (e.g., first driving members100a,second driving members100b) and the display panel10disposed on the driving members.

In some aspects, in a display device10according to the example embodiments described herein, the main coupler120aof the first driving member100aand the main coupler120bof the second driving member100bare alternately coupled to different main guide rails MGR1and MGR2, which may ensure the driving balance of the plurality of driving members100aand100beven though one driving member is coupled to one main guide rail. That is, for example, the main couplers120aof the first driving members100aand the main couplers120bof the second driving members100bare alternately coupled to the first main guide rail MGR1and the second main guide MGR2.

In some aspects, since each driving member includes one main coupler (e.g., each first driving member100aincludes a main coupler120a,each second driving member100bincludes a main coupler120b), the number of main couplers can be reduced, thereby reducing fabrication costs and the weight of each driving member accordingly. In some aspects, since the total number of main couplers can be reduced, the friction between each driving member and the main couplers (also referred to herein as main guide couplers) can be reduced, and the reduced friction supports easier movement of each driving member with less force. The reduced quantity of main couplers supports a reduction in fabrication costs and the weight of a display device10described herein.

In some aspects, the display device according to the embodiments described herein, the driving force for driving the driving members can be distributed by the auxiliary couplers and the auxiliary guide rails, and the distribution of the driving force supports increases to the lifespan of the display device10. In some aspects, since the driving members can be supported by the auxiliary couplers and the auxiliary guide rails, distortion of the driving members can be prevented.

In some aspects, in a display device10according to the example embodiments described herein, one or more driving members may include a plurality of sub-driving members separated from each other, and thus the load on the first main guide rail and the second main guide rail can be reduced, and also the distortion of the driving members can be prevented.

Aspects of the present disclosure support combining any suitable features of the example embodiments described herein. For example, in some embodiments, a display device10may include a configuration based on any suitable combination of elements described at least with reference toFIG.9,FIG.16,FIG.17,FIG.19,FIG.20, and/orFIG.24and other related descriptions and figures. In an example, (not illustrated) a display device10may include first driving members100aand second driving members100bas described herein. In the example, (not illustrated), one or more first driving members100amay be implemented as described at least with reference toFIGS.9through19, and one or more other first driving members100amay be implemented as described at least with reference toFIGS.20through24(e.g., including a first sub-driving member100aS1and a second sub-driving member100aS2). Additionally, or alternatively, (not illustrated), one or more second driving members100bmay be implemented as described at least with reference toFIGS.9through19, and one or more other second driving members100bmay be implemented as described at least with reference toFIGS.20through24(e.g., including a first sub-driving member100bS1and a second sub-driving member100bS2).

It will be able to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs that the present disclosure may be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that the example embodiments described herein are illustrative rather than being restrictive in all aspects. It is to be understood that the scope of the present disclosure are defined by the claims rather than the detailed description described herein and all modifications and alterations derived from the claims and their equivalents fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Embodiments supported by the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more example embodiments are illustrated. Aspects supported by the present disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of example aspects of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Terms such as, for example, first, second, and the like may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms as used herein may distinguish one component from other components and are not to be limited by the terms. For example, without departing the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless otherwise specified.

The terms “about” or “approximately” as used herein are inclusive of the stated value and include a suitable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity. The term “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value, for example.

The term “substantially,” as used herein, means approximately or actually equal (e.g., within a threshold percent of equal). The term “substantially simultaneously,” as used herein, means approximately or actually at the same time (e.g., within a threshold percent of equal). The term “substantially the same,” as used herein, means approximately or actually the same (e.g., within a threshold difference amount).

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B, or C”, “at least one of A, B, and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C”, may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases.

It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with”, “coupled to”, “connected with”, or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.