BRIDGE DEVICE AND DISPLAY DEVICE

A bridge device including a first cover having flexibility; a second cover having flexibility; a support member between the first cover and the second cover; a first connector fixed to the support member; and a second connector fixed to the support member and electrically connected to the first connector, wherein the bridge device is configured to be connectable to a first display device and a second display device so that, when the bridge device is connected to the first display device and the second display device, the first display device and the second display device are electrically connected through the first connector and the second connector, and the first display device and the second display device are rotatable relative to one another due to the flexibility of the first cover and the flexibility of the second cover.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a bridge device that connects a plurality of display devices electrically and physically, and to a plurality of display devices capable of maintaining various folding angles by the bridge device.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, a display is a device that displays a screen, such as a monitor or television. Display devices use emissive display panels, such as organic light-emitting diodes or micro light-emitting diodes, and non-emissive display panels, such as liquid crystal display panels.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a bridge device includes a first cover having flexibility; a second cover having flexibility; a support member between the first cover and the second cover; a first connector fixed to the support member; and a second connector fixed to the support member and electrically connected to the first connector, wherein the bridge device is configured to be connectable to a first display device and a second display device so that, when the bridge device is connected to the first display device and the second display device, the first display device and the second display device are electrically connected through the first connector and the second connector, and the first display device and the second display device are rotatable relative to one another due to the flexibility of the first cover and the flexibility of the second cover.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the support member may include a bending member configured to be bendable, a first reinforcement plate connected to a first side of the bending member, and a second reinforcement plate connected to a second side of the bending member. The bending member may be centered along a horizontal direction of the first cover and the second cover.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first connector may include a plurality of first terminals. The second connector may include a plurality of second terminals. The bridge device may further includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connecting the first connector and the second connector. The FPCB may include wiring connecting the plurality of first terminals of the first connector and the plurality of second terminals of the second connector.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, each terminal of the plurality of first terminals and each terminal of the plurality of second terminals may be a pogo pin.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first connector may be detachably attachable to a rear surface of the first display device with a plurality of first permanent magnets. The second connector may be detachably attachable to a rear surface of the second display device with a plurality of second permanent magnets.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first reinforcement plate and the second reinforcement plate may include a magnetic material.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a display device includes a first display device; a second display device; and a bridge device detachably connected to the first display device and the second display device to electrically connect the first display device and the second display device together and so that the second display device is physically supported by the first display device, wherein the bridge device has flexibility so that the first display device and the second display device are rotatable relative to one another.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the bridge device may be configured to connect the first display device and the second display device so that a side of the first display device and a side of the second display device facing the side of the first display device contact each other when the first display device and the second display device are rotated relative to each other at a predetermined angle. A tangent line of the side of the first display device and the side of the second display device facing the side of the first display device may form a center of rotation of the first display device and the second display device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the side of the first display device and the side of the second display device facing the side of the first display device may each be arcuate.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the bridge device may include a first connector and a second connector. The display device may further include a first docking member on the first display device and detachably connected to the first connector of the bridge device, the first docking member configured to be movable relative to the first display device, and a second docking member on the second display device and detachably connected to the second connector of the bridge device, the second docking member configured to be movable relative to the second display device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first docking member may be connected to the first display device so as to be slidable and elastically biased along a direction in which the first display device is rotated relative to the second display device. The second docking member may be connected to the second display device so as to be slidable and elastically biased along a direction in which the second display device is rotated relative to the first display device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first docking member may include a first docking groove into which the first connector is inserted. The second docking member may include a second docking groove into which the second connector is inserted. The first display device may include a first docking aperture on a rear surface of the first display device, the first docking aperture having a width greater than a width of the first docking groove, so that the first docking member is movable relative to the first display device. The second display device may include a second docking aperture on a rear surface of the second display device, the second docking aperture having a width greater than a width of the second docking groove, so that the second docking member is movable relative to the second display device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the bridge device may include a first cover having flexibility, a second cover having flexibility, a bending member having flexibility, a first reinforcement plate connected to a first side of the bending member and to the first connector, a second reinforcement plate connected to a second side of the bending member and to the second connector, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connecting the first connector and the second connector. The first display device and the second display device may be electrically connected through the first connector and the second connector. The first cover, the second cover, and the FPCB may be flexible, and the bending member may be bendable, so that the first display device and the second display device may be rotatable relative to one another.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first docking member and the first connector may be detachably attached by a magnetic force between the first docking member and the first connector. The second docking member and the second connector may be detachably attached by a magnetic force between the second docking member and the second connector.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first docking member may include a plurality of first terminals. The first connector may include a plurality of first pogo pins electrically connected to the plurality of first terminals provided on the first docking member. The second docking member may include a plurality of second terminals. The second connector may include a plurality of second pogo pins electrically connected to the plurality of second terminals provided on the second docking member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only one or more preferred embodiments, and there are many variations that may be substituted for the embodiments and drawings described herein at the time of filing of this application.

In this disclosure, identical reference numerals or symbols in each drawing designate parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to limit and/or define the disclosed invention. Expressions in the singular include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms “including” or “having” and the like are intended to designate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described, and not to preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Here, terms including ordinal numbers, such as “first,” “second,” and the like, may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by such terms, and such terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, a second component may be named a first component. The term “and/or” includes any combination of a plurality of related recited items or any one of a plurality of related recited items.

In the disclosure, the terms “front end,” “rear end,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “top surface,” “bottom surface,” “upper end,” “lower end,” “one end,” “other end,” “left,” and “right” are defined with reference to the drawings and are not intended to limit the shape and location of any component.

Hereinafter, a bridge device according to one or more embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a view illustrating an example in which a plurality of display devices are electrically and physically connected by a bridge device according to one or more embodiments.FIG.2is a view illustrating a state before a plurality of display devices are connected by a bridge device according to one or more embodiments. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a bridge device refers to a device for connecting a plurality of devices to each other. A bridge device may be referred to as various other terms, such as a connection device, a link device, a combine device, an assemble device, and the like.

A bridge device according to one or more embodiments may electrically and physically connect two display devices. The present disclosure describes an example of connecting three display devices using two bridge devices. Similarly, when n bridge devices according to one or more embodiments are used, n+1 display devices may be connected electrically and physically.

Referring toFIG.1, a bridge device according to one or more embodiments may include a first bridge device100capable of electrically and physically connecting a first display device10and a second display device20, and a second bridge device101capable of electrically and physically connecting the first display device10and a third display device30.

The first bridge device100may be disposed on one side of a rear surface11of the first display device10and on one side of a rear surface21of the second display device20. The second bridge device101may be disposed on the other side of the rear surface11of the first display device10and on one side of a rear surface31of the third display device30. Accordingly, the first bridge device100and the second bridge device101may not be visible from the front of the first, second, and third display devices10,20, and30.

The second display device20may be disposed on the left side of the first display device10, and the third display device30may be disposed on the right side of the first display device10. As the first display device10is connected to a stand40at the bottom, the first, second, and third display devices10,20, and30may be provided approximately perpendicular to a table or floor.

The first, second, and third display devices10.20,30may be monitors or televisions (TVs). A port13may be provided on the rear surface11of the first display device10. The first display device10may receive external power and transmit and receive signals via the port13. The port13of the first display device10may be connected to a separate device (e.g., a personal computer (PC), a video game console, a digital set-top box, etc.). The ports13of the first display device10may include video and audio terminals (e.g., digital visual interface (DVI), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), display port (DP), D-sub, sony/philips digital interface (S/PDIF), universal serial bus (USB) type port, etc.), power ports, communication ports, etc.

The first display device10may be a monitor or a television, but may also be an all in one PC in which a display panel and control device are integrated.

The second display device20and the third display device30may receive power and signals from the first display device10via the first bridge device100and the second bridge device101, respectively. Accordingly, the second display device20and the third display device30may not include separate ports for connecting separate cables.

The second display device20may receive power from the first display device10via the first bridge device100. The second display device20may transmit and receive signals to and from the first display device10or a separate control device connected to the first display device10via the first bridge device100. The third display device30may receive power from the first display device10via the second bridge device101. The third display device30may transmit and receive signals to and from the first display device10or a separate control device connected to the first display device10via the second bridge device101.

Referring toFIG.2, the first, second, and third display devices10,20, and30may each be provided with docking apertures on both sides of the rear surface. In this case, a first coupling member161(seeFIG.6) and a second coupling member162(seeFIG.6) of the first bridge device100may be electrically and physically connected to a first docking member200(seeFIG.13) and a second docking member201(seeFIG.13), respectively, via a first docking aperture15of the first display device10and a second docking aperture23of the second display device20, respectively.

The first docking aperture15of the first display device10may expose a first docking groove260of the first docking member200elastically movably provided on an inner side of the first display device10. The second docking aperture23of the second display device20may expose a second docking groove260′ of the second docking member201elastically movably provided on the inner side of the second display device20.

The first docking aperture15of the first display device10and the second docking aperture23of the second display device20are open because the first bridge device100is connected. In this case, a third docking aperture25of the second display device20and a fourth docking aperture35of the third display device30, to which the bridge device is not connected, may be closed by a first lid50and a second lid60, respectively.

Since the first lid50and the second lid60are substantially identical, hereinafter, the description of the second lid60will be omitted and the first lid50will be described with reference to the drawing.FIG.3is a perspective view illustrating a lid applied to a display device according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.3, the first lid50may have an outline corresponding to the third docking aperture25of the second display device20. A protrusion51may be formed on one side of the first lid50. The protrusion51of the first lid50may be provided to correspond to a third docking groove (not shown) of a third docking member (not shown) corresponding to the third docking aperture25. Here, the third docking groove of the third docking member may be configured substantially the same as the first docking groove260of the first docking member200.

The protrusions51of the first lid50may be provided with a plurality of permanent magnets53at regular intervals. When the protrusions51of the first lid50are inserted into the docking groove of the third docking member, the first lid50may be detachably coupled to the first docking member200by an attractive force between the plurality of permanent magnets53of the first lid50and a plurality of permanent magnets (not shown) provided on the third docking member. Accordingly, the first lid50may easily close or open the third docking aperture25of the second display device20by magnetic force. Here, the plurality of permanent magnets of the third docking member may be configured substantially the same as a plurality of permanent magnets240of the first docking member200(seeFIG.11).

FIG.4is a view illustrating a folding operation of a plurality of display devices connected by a bridge device according to one or more embodiments.FIG.5is an enlarged view of part A shown inFIG.4.

Referring toFIG.4, the second display device20and the third display device30may be folded at a predetermined angle with respective to the first display device10by the first bridge device100and the second bridge device101, respectively. The first bridge device100and the second bridge device101may be made of a bendable structure and material. The structure and material of the first bridge device100and the second bridge device101will be described later.

Referring toFIG.5, when the second display device20is folded at a predetermined angle with respect to the first display device10, a side surface17of the first display device10and a side surface27of the second display device20come into contact with each other. In this case, the side surface17of the first display device10and the side surface27of the second display device20may have a predetermined curved surface to protrude in a direction of facing each other. The curvature of the side surface17of the first display device10and the side surface27of the second display device20may be substantially the same.

The side surface17of the first display device10and the side surface27of the second display device20may be in line contact along a vertical direction of the first display device10and the second display device20. In this case, the tangent line formed by the contact of the side surface17of the first display device10and the side surface27of the second display device20may function as a hinge axis H, which is a center of rotation of the first display device10and the second display device20.

For example, when the first display device10and the second display device20are disposed parallel to each other and the second display device20is folded to the front of the second display device20, the second display device20rotates about the hinge axis H. The hinge axis H will not be fixed at a point, but moves from the rear of the second display device20to the front of the second display device20.

The first bridge device100has a bent center portion M of the first bridge device100such that the first display device10does not interfere with the rotation of the second display device20about the hinge axis H. Accordingly, the second display device20may be smoothly folded at a predetermined angle with respect to the first display device10.

Since the first bridge device100and the second bridge device101are substantially identical, hereinafter, the description of the second bridge device101will be omitted and the first bridge device100will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS.6and7are exploded views illustrating a bridge device according to one or more embodiments.FIG.8is a front view illustrating a bridge device according to one or more embodiments.FIG.9is a cross-sectional view along line B-B′ shown inFIG.8.FIG.10is an enlarged view illustrating part C shown inFIG.9.

Referring toFIGS.6to9, the first bridge device100may include a first cover110, a second cover120corresponding to the first cover110, a support member disposed between the first cover110and the second cover120, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)150for electrically connecting the first display device10and the second display device20, and the first coupling member161and the second coupling member162to which both sides of the FPCB150are fixed.

The first cover110may have a predetermined length in a vertical direction of the first display device10and the second display device20. The length of the first cover110(the length along a Z-axis direction) may be less than the longitudinal length of the first display device10and the second display device20. For example, the length of the first cover110may be approximately 70 to 99% of the longitudinal length of the first display device10and the second display device20(seeFIG.1). Such a length of the first cover110may be such that the first cover110is not obscured by the first display device10and the second display device20and exposed to the front of the first display device10and the second display device20, and that the first cover110prevents the first display device10and the second display device20from twisting in opposite directions about the x-axis ofFIG.1.

The first cover110may be made of a material that has flexibility and toughness. For example, the first cover110may be made of rubber or an elastic synthetic resin. The first cover110may be smoothly bendable about the Z-axis and may have a plurality of first grooves110aformed on the outer surface of the first cover110along the longitudinal direction of the first cover110to minimize twisting about the X-axis.

The first cover110may be provided with a receiving groove111on one side where the second cover120is coupled. A receiving groove115of the first cover110may accommodate a bending member130, a first reinforcement plate141, a second reinforcement plate142, and a FPCB150. The second cover120may be coupled to the first cover110after the bending member130, the first reinforcement plate141, the second reinforcement plate142, and the FPCB150are accommodated in the receiving groove115of the first cover110. Accordingly, the bending member130, the first reinforcement plate141, the second reinforcement plate142, and the FPCB150are disposed between the first cover110and the second cover120and may be protected from external impact.

The second cover120may have a plurality of second grooves120aformed along the longitudinal direction of the second cover120on its outer surface, similar to the first cover110. The second cover120may be made of the same material as the first cover110.

The support member may include a bending member130, and a first reinforcement plate141and a second reinforcement plate142connected by the bending member130.

The bending member130may be made of a flexible plastic film. The bending member130may be disposed along the longitudinal direction of the first cover110. The bending member130may be disposed in the middle portion of the first bridge device100. In this case, the bending member130may be attached to the receiving groove111of the first cover110by a first adhesive member133. The first adhesive member133(seeFIG.10) may be, for example, an easy-to-use double-sided adhesive tape.

The first reinforcement plate141and the second reinforcement plate142may be coupled to both sides of the bending member130, respectively, along the longitudinal direction of the bending member130. For example, the first reinforcement plate141may have a rear side141cattached to a front side131of the bending member130by an adhesive member143(e.g., double-sided adhesive tape). The second reinforcement plate142may have a rear side142cattached to the other front side132of the bending member130by an adhesive member. In addition, the respective front sides141a,142aof the first reinforcement plate141and the second reinforcement plate142and the rear both sides123a,123bof the second cover120may be connected by a second adhesive member145a(seeFIG.10) and a third adhesive member145b(seeFIG.10). The second adhesive member145aand the third adhesive member145bmay be, for example, an easy-to-use double-sided adhesive tape.

The FPCB150may electrically connect the first display device10and the second display device20. The FPCB150may have a first connector151and a second connector152mounted on both ends. The first connector151and the second connector152may each be provided with a plurality of pogo pins151a,152a.The plurality of pogo pins151a,152amay each include a barrel made of a conductive metal and a plunger elastically supported on a coil spring embedded in the barrel and coupled to a leading end of the barrel to enable forward and backward movement.

The first connector151may be electrically connected to the first display device10. For example, the first connector151may be electrically connected to a first docking member200provided on the first display device10. The first docking member200may include a printed circuit board210(seeFIG.12) having a plurality of terminals270(seeFIG.12) to which the plurality of pogo pins151aof the first connector151are electrically connected. The printed circuit board210of the first docking member200may be electrically connected to a separate printed circuit board (not shown) provided on the first display device10. In this case, the first docking member200may also be movable during the bending operation of the first bridge device100. Accordingly, the printed circuit board210of the first docking member200may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board of the first display device10via a separate FBCB (not shown).

The second connector152may be electrically connected to the second display device20. For example, the second connector152may be electrically connected to a second docking member201provided on the second display device20. The second connector152may have the same construction as the first connector151.

The first coupling member161may be coupled to the first reinforcement plate141through a first through-aperture121provided in the second cover120. For example, the first coupling member161may be secured to the first reinforcement plate141via a plurality of screws.

The first coupling member161may be removably inserted into the first docking groove260of the first docking member200. The first coupling member161may be provided with a connector coupling groove161aat an approximately center portion of the rear surface, into which the first connector151is coupled. The connector coupling groove161amay be provided with a plurality of pin apertures161binto which the plurality of pogo pins151aof the first connector151are inserted.

On the rear side of the first coupling member161, a plurality of magnetic coupling grooves161cmay be provided along the longitudinal direction of the first coupling member161in which a plurality of permanent magnets164are coupled upstream and downstream of the connector coupling grooves161a,respectively. When the first coupling member161is inserted into the first docking groove260of the first docking member200, an attractive force may be exerted between the plurality of permanent magnets164of the first coupling member161and the plurality of permanent magnets240provided in the first docking member200(seeFIG.14) such that the first coupling member161is detachably coupled to the first docking member200. Accordingly, the bridge device100according to an embodiment may be easily mounted to and removed from the first docking member200without requiring separate screws and tools for tightening and loosening the screws. The plurality of permanent magnets164coupled to the first connector151may correspond to the first reinforcement plate141. Accordingly, the first reinforcement plate141may be magnetic. Accordingly, the first reinforcement plate141may function as a yoke to increase the magnetic force of the plurality of permanent magnets164.

The second coupling member162may be coupled to the second reinforcement plate142through a second through-aperture122provided in the second cover120. The second coupling member162may be removably inserted into the second docking groove260′ of the second docking member201. The second reinforcement plate142may be magnetic, and the second reinforcement plate142may function as a yoke to increase the magnetic force of the plurality of permanent magnets164.

The second coupling member162may be configured substantially the same as the first coupling member161. For example, the second coupling member162may be provided with a connector coupling groove162aat an approximately center portion of the rear surface, into which the second connector152is coupled. The connector coupling groove162amay be provided with a plurality of pin apertures162binto which the plurality of pogo pins152aof the second connector152are inserted. On the rear side of the second coupling member162, a plurality of magnet coupling grooves162cmay be provided along the longitudinal direction of the second coupling member162, into which a plurality of permanent magnets164are coupled upstream and downstream of the connector coupling groove162a,respectively.

Referring toFIG.8, the first coupling member161and the second coupling member162may be spaced apart and disposed approximately parallel. The first coupling member161and the second coupling member162may have the same length and may be symmetrically disposed about a central axis of the first bridge device100(an axis of falsetto parallel to the Z-axis inFIG.8).

Referring toFIGS.9and10, the first bridge device100may be provided with a plurality of components stacked in a bendable state. On the front side of the first cover110, each rear side of the bending member130, the first reinforcement plate141, and the second reinforcement plate142may be attached by the first adhesive member133. At the center of the rear of the second cover120, the front side of the bending member130may be attached by the second adhesive member145a,and at both sides of the rear surface of the second cover120, the front side of the first reinforcement plate141and the second reinforcement plate142may be attached by the second adhesive member145b.

As such, the center of the first bridge device100may be bendable by the first cover110, the second cover120, and the bending member130. On both sides of the first bridge device100, the first coupling member161and the second coupling member162may be rigidly fixed by the first reinforcement plate141and the second reinforcement plate142, respectively. Accordingly, the first bridge device100may be made bendable in the center and may have a predetermined strength without bending on both sides.

Hereinafter, the first docking member200and the second docking member201to which the first bridge device100is detachably connected electrically and physically. The second docking member201has substantially the same configuration as the first docking member200and thus, will not be described in detail.

FIGS.11and12are perspective views illustrating a docking member of a bridge device according to one or more embodiments.FIG.13is a view illustrating an example in which a docking member of a bridge device is elastically disposed on a display device according to one or more embodiments.FIG.14is a view illustrating an example in which a portion of a docking member of a bridge device is exposed to a rear surface of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.11and12, the first docking member200may include a printed circuit board210, a protrusion230projecting from a rear surface of the printed circuit board210, a plurality of permanent magnets240coupled to the protrusion230, a plurality of first snagging protrusions250provided on one side of the printed circuit board210, and a first docking groove260provided on a front surface of the printed circuit board210.

The printed circuit board210of the first docking member200may be a rigid-type printed circuit board. The printed circuit board210of the first docking member200may be provided with a plurality of wiring (not shown) that are electrically connected to a plurality of terminals270arranged within the first docking groove260. In this case, the plurality of wiring may be electrically connected to another printed circuit board (not shown) of the first display device10by a separate FPCB (not shown). A plurality of terminals270′ are also arranged in the second docking groove260′ of the second docking member201.

The protrusion230of the first docking member200may be integrally formed into the printed circuit board210of the first docking member200. The protrusion230may be provided with a plurality of coupling grooves231into which a plurality of permanent magnets240are coupled. The plurality of permanent magnets240of the first docking member200may be disposed to correspond respectively to the plurality of permanent magnets164provided on the first coupling member161of the first bridge device100. Accordingly, when the first coupling member161of the first bridge device100is inserted into the first docking groove260of the first docking member200, an attractive force may be exerted between the plurality of permanent magnets240of the first docking member200and the plurality of permanent magnets164of the first coupling member161such that the first coupling member161is detachably coupled to the first docking groove260of the first docking member200. Accordingly, to order to couple and decouple the first coupling member161to and from the first docking groove260of the first docking member200, no separate screws and tools for tightening and loosening the screws are required.

Referring toFIG.13, a plurality of first snagging projections250of the first docking member200are connected to one end of an elastic member253that elastically connects the first docking member200to the first display device10. The other end of the elastic member253may be connected to a plurality of second snagging projections251provided on the first display device10. The elastic member253may be a coil spring, and may be provided in plurality. The first docking member200may slide along the X-axis direction on an inner side of the first display device10when the first bridge device100is bent. In this case, the first docking member200may remain coupled to the first coupling member161of the first bridge device100, thereby maintaining an electrical and physical connection between the first bridge device100and the first display device10.

The protrusion230of the first docking member200may be inserted into the first opening18provided in the first display device10. In this case, the width W1of the protrusion230of the first docking member200may be formed smaller than the width W2of the first opening18so that the first docking member200may flow along the X-axis direction.

The second display device20may be provided with a second opening28into which a protrusion230′ of the second docking member201may be fluidly inserted. The second docking member201may be elastically connected slidably along the X-axis direction to the second display device20by a plurality of elastic members253′, as is the first docking member200.

Referring toFIG.14, the width W3of the docking groove260of the first docking member200may be formed smaller than the width W4of the first docking aperture15of the first display device10. When the first coupling member161of the first bridge device100is inserted into the docking groove260of the first docking member200through the first docking aperture15of the first display device10, the first coupling member161of the first bridge device100may flow along the X-axis direction with the first docking member200without being interrupted by the first docking aperture15of the first display device10.

The width of the docking groove260′ of the second docking member201may be formed smaller than the width of the second docking aperture23of the second display device20. Accordingly, when the second coupling member162of the first bridge device100is inserted into the docking groove260′ of the second docking member201through the second docking aperture23of the second display device20, the second coupling member162of the first bridge device100may flow along the X-axis direction with the second docking member201without being interrupted by the second docking aperture23of the second display device20.

FIG.15is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of wheel stoppers provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.FIG.16is an enlarged view illustrating part D shown inFIG.15.FIG.17is an exploded view illustrating wheel stoppers provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.FIG.18is a view illustrating wheel stoppers provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.15, the first display device10may be secured to the floor via a stand40. In this case, the second display device20and the third display device30may be provided with a plurality of wheel stoppers300at their respective bottoms24,34. The plurality of wheel stoppers300may support the second display device20and the third display device30such that the second display device20and the third display device30may be folded with respect to the first display device10.

The plurality of wheel stoppers300may rotate while the second display device20and the third display device30are folded with respect to the first display device10. When the folding operation of the second display device20and the third display device30stops, the plurality of wheel stoppers300may be locked such that the second display device20and the third display device30remain folded.

Referring toFIGS.16and17, the wheel stoppers300may include a wheel310, and a locker350for locking rotation of the wheel310.

The wheel310may be rotatably disposed in a receiving aperture21aprovided in the bottom24of the second display device20. Both sides of the wheel310may be provided with a pair of pivoting shafts312a,312bthat are rotatably inserted into a pair of support grooves21b,21cextending on both sides of the receiving aperture21a.

The wheel310may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise when the second display device20is rotated about a hinge axis H (seeFIG.5), with the second display device20parallel to the first display device10, forward or backward of the second display device20. The wheel310may support the second display device20such that the second display device20folds and unfolds smoothly.

The wheel310may have a portion of the wheel310protruding further than the bottom24of the second display device20while disposed in the receiving aperture21a.When the second display device20is folded with respect to the first display device10, the wheel310may be rotated to allow the bottom24of the second display device20to move without friction with the floor.

The outer side of the wheel310may be coupled with a friction member330. The friction member330may surround an outer portion of the wheel310. when the wheel310is locked by the locker350, the friction member330may prevent the wheel310from rotating due to friction with the floor. Accordingly, rotation of the wheel310may be prevented or minimized by the friction member330and the locker350, allowing the second display device20to remain folded at a predetermined angle.

Referring toFIG.18, the wheel310may be provided with a plurality of locking grooves311on the outer circumference. Into the plurality of locking grooves311may be inserted a leading end351aof a latch351coupled to the locker350. The latch351may have a rear end (not shown) rotatably connected to the locker350. In this case, the rear end of the latch351may be elastically connected to the locker350by a separate elastic member (not shown).

For example, when the second display device20rotates clockwise with respect to the first display device10while in contact with the ground, the leading end351aof the latch351is pushed by the protrusions312between the adjacent locking grooves311to rotate counterclockwise and then rotated clockwise by the elastic force of the separate elastic member to return to its original position when the protrusions312pass over the leading end351aof the latch351. When the folding operation of the second display device20is completed and the wheel310is stopped because no external force is applied to rotate the wheel310, the leading end351aof the latch351is inserted into the locking groove311of the wheel310. In this case, the latch351may prevent the wheel310from rotating by the elastic force of the separate elastic member. Accordingly, the second display device20may maintain the folded position by the plurality of wheel stoppers300.

The plurality of stoppers300may be disposed on both sides of the bottom of the second display device20and the third display device30, as shown inFIG.15, but are not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of stoppers300may omit the stoppers300of the second display device20and the third display device30adjacent to the first display device10. In addition, the plurality of stoppers300may have more than three stoppers300for each of the second display device20and the third display device30to support the weight of the second display device20and the third display device30so as to allow the second display device20and third display device30to be folded smoothly when the second display device20and third display device30are oversized.

FIG.19is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to one or more embodiments.FIG.20is a view illustrating an example of a user interface for selecting various devices connected to a first display device according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.19, a display device according to one or more embodiments, for example, the first display device10may include a memory410and a processor430.

The memory410may refer to hardware that stores information, such as data, in an electrical or magnetic form for access by the processor430or the like. To this end, the memory410may be implemented as at least one of the following hardware: non-volatile memory, volatile memory, flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD), RAM, ROM, etc.

The memory410may store at least one instruction required for operation of the first display device10or the processor430. The instruction may be is a unit of symbols that directs the operation of the display device10or the processor430, and may be written in machine language, which can be understood by a computer. Alternatively, the memory410may store a plurality of instructions as a set of instructions that perform a specific task of the display device10or the processor430. The memory410may store data, which is information in bits or bytes that may represent characters, numbers, images, and the like. For example, the memory410may store a screen setup module or the like. The memory410is accessed by the processor430, and the processor430may read/write/modify/delete/update an instruction, a set of instructions, or data.

The processor430may control the overall operations of the first, second, and third display devices10,20, and30. Specifically, the processor430may be connected to each configuration of the first display device10to control the overall operations of the first display device10. For example, the processor430may control the second display device20via the first bridge device100, and may control the third display device30via the second bridge device101.

The at least one processor430may include one or more of a CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a many integrated core (MIC), a neural processing unit (NPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. The at least one processor430may control one or any combination of the other components of the first display device10, and may perform operations or data processing related to communication. The at least one processor430may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in the memory410.

The one or more processors430may be implemented as a single-core processor including one core, or may be implemented as one or more multi-core processors including a plurality of cores (e.g., homogeneous multiple cores or heterogeneous multiple cores). In a case where the one or more processors430are implemented as multi-core processors, each of the plurality of cores included in the multi-core processors may include a processor internal memory such as a cache memory or an on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by the plurality of cores may be included in multi core processors. In addition, each of the plurality of cores (or some of the plurality of cores) included in the multi-core processors may independently read and execute program instructions for implementing the method according to an embodiment, or all (or some) of the plurality of cores may be linked to each other to read and execute program instructions for implementing the method according an embodiment.

The first bridge device100connecting the first display device10and the second display device20may include a sensor290(e.g., a flex sensor) capable of detecting a folding angle of the first display device10and the second display device20. The sensor290may be mounted on the FPCB150, for example, where the first bridge device100is bent.

The sensor290may detect the folding angle of the first display device10and the second display device20in real time and transmit the detection value to the processor430. The processor430may store the detection value transmitted from the sensor290in the memory410. The processor430may calculate the detection value transmitted from the sensor290as a value corresponding to the folding angle and display the same on the first display device10or the second display device20as a number or as an image in the form of a dashboard.

The second display device20and the third display device30may each be provided with a plurality of drive motors291for driving the wheel310of the plurality of wheel stoppers300. The processor430may control the forward rotation, reverse rotation, and stop operation of the plurality of drive motors291via the first bridge device100and the second bridge device101.

The memory410may store at least one folding angle data entered by a user via an input device (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touch screen, etc.). The folding angle data may be at least one folding angle between the first display device10and the second display device20, or at least one folding angle between the first display device10and the third display device30.

The at least one folding angle data may be matched to at least one device (not shown) connected to the first display device10(e.g., a personal computer (PC), a console device for running a gaming application, etc.). For example, if there are at least two PCs and at least two console devices connected to the first display device10, the processor430may display a user interface400for selecting the devices connected to the first display device10on the screen of the third display device30, as shown inFIG.20. The processor430may display the user interface400on the first display device10or the second display device20rather than the third display device30.

When one of the devices displayed on the user interface400is selected by the user, the processor430may drive and control the plurality of drive motors291by determining a folding angle corresponding to the selected device among the folding angles pre-stored in the memory410. Accordingly, the wheel310of the plurality of wheel stoppers300may be rotated by the plurality of drive motors291to set the second display device20and the third display device30to the folding angle corresponding to the selected device with respect to the first display device10.

The at least one folding angle data may be matched to various applications stored in a separate memory of the at least one device connected to the first display device10. For example, when one application stored in the at least one device is driven by the user, the processor430may drive and control the plurality of drive motors291by determining a folding angle corresponding to the driven application from among the folding angles pre-stored in the memory410. Accordingly, the wheel310of the plurality of wheel stoppers300may be rotated by the plurality of drive motors291to set the second display device20and the third display device30to a folding angle corresponding to the application driven with respect to the first display device10.

In the present disclosure, the drive motor291for driving the wheel310of the plurality of wheel stoppers300may be omitted. In this case, the processor430may detect that the second display device20and the third display device30are folded by the user via sensors290provided on the first bridge device100and the second bridge device101, respectively. When the folding operation of the second display device20or the third display device30is detected via the sensors290, the processor430may display the folding angle in real time on a screen of the display device being folded.

In another example, when a folding operation of the second display device20or the third display device30is detected via the sensors290, the processor430may display the user interface400described above on one of the first, second, and third display devices10,20, and30.

FIG.21is a top view illustrating an example in which a pair of display devices are folded in opposite directions from each other according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.21, the first display device10and the second display device20may be folded such that the rear surface11of the first display device10and the rear surface21of the second display device20face each other while electrically and physically connected by the first bridge device100.

The front surface12of the first display device10and the front surface22of the second display device20may face an opposite side from each other. In this case, the first display device10and the second display device20may maintain a folding position by a connection member500.

The length of the connection member500may be substantially the same as the length of a first lid50(seeFIG.2). One side501of the connection member500may be inserted into a fifth docking aperture14of the first display device10, and the other side502of the connection member500may be inserted into the third docking aperture25of the second display device20.

The connection member500may be provided with a first protrusion510and a second protrusion520on both sides. The first protrusion510and the second protrusion520may be substantially equal to the length of the protrusion51of the first lid50(seeFIG.3). The first protrusion510and the second protrusion520may each be provided with a plurality of permanent magnets (not shown).

As shown inFIG.21, when the connection member500is disposed between the first display device10and the second display device20, an attractive force may be exerted between the plurality of permanent magnets of the connection member500and the plurality of permanent magnets of the docking members (not shown) provided on the first display device10and the second display device20, respectively. Accordingly, the first display device10and the second display device20may maintain a folding state by the connection member500.

When the first display device10and the second display device20are folded such that the front side12of the first display device10and the front side22of the second display device20face in opposite directions from each other, the processor430may display the same content on each screen of the first display device10and the second display device20. For example, a consultant and a customer facing each other may conduct a consultation while viewing the same content on the first display device10and the second display device20.

FIG.22is a top view illustrating an example in which three display devices are folded to form a roughly triangle shape according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.22, the first, second, and third display devices10,20, and30may be folded such that their respective front sides12,22, and32face different directions. The second display device20and the third display device30may each be folded at approximately60degrees with respect to the first display device10. The second display device20and the third display device30may maintain the folded state as shown inFIG.22by the plurality of wheel stoppers300provided at the bottom of each.

FIG.23is a front view illustrating an example in which an auxiliary display device is provided using a bridge device on top of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.23, an auxiliary display device70may be electrically and physically connected to the top of the first display device10by the third bridge device103. The size of the auxiliary display device70may be smaller than the size of the first display device10.

The auxiliary display device70may be folded at a predetermined angle with respect to the first display device10by the third bridge device103. In this case, the third bridge device103may be made of metal of a thickness such that a bending member130′ provided therein is bendable. The bending member130′ may prevent the auxiliary display device70from folding to an undesired angle due to its own weight. The configuration of the third bridge device70may be substantially the same in most respects as the first bridge device10(seeFIG.6), with the exception of the bending member130′.

The processor430may control the first display device10and the auxiliary display device70to display different contents on their screens. For example, the processor430may control the screen of the first display device10to display content that is being broadcast on a first channel of a public broadcasting organization and the screen of the second display device70to display content that is being broadcast on a second channel of a public broadcasting organization. Alternatively, the processor430may control the screen of the first display device10to display securities-related content of a cable program and the screen of the second display device70to display securities-related sites on the Internet.

FIG.24is a front view illustrating an example in which a plurality of display devices are disposed in a vertical direction and each display device is connected by a plurality of bridge devices according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIG.24, fourth, fifth, and sixth display devices81,82,83may be disposed in a vertical direction. The fourth display device81and the fifth display device82may be connected by the fourth and fifth bridge devices104,105. The fourth display device81and the sixth display device83may be connected by the sixth and seventh bridge devices106,107.

The fourth bridge device104and the fifth bridge device105may electrically and physically connect the fourth display device81and the fifth display device82, respectively. In this case, either one of the fourth bridge device104and the fifth bridge device105may only physically connect the fourth display device81and the fifth display device82. For example, the electrical connection between the fourth display device81and the fifth display device82may be made by the fourth bridge device104, and the physical connection between the fourth display device81and the sixth display device83may be made by the fourth bridge device104and the fifth bridge device105.

The sixth bridge device106and the seventh bridge device107may electrically and physically connect the fourth display device81and the sixth display device83, respectively. In this case, either one of the sixth bridge device106and the seventh bridge device107may only physically connect the fourth display device81and the sixth display device83.

InFIG.24, a plurality of bridge devices are used to electrically and physically connect two display devices, but are not limited to. For example, the fourth display device81and the fifth display device82may be connected only by the fourth bridge device104. In this case, the longitudinal length of the fourth bridge device104may be formed to be approximately 70 to 99% of the longitudinal length of the fourth display device81and the fifth display device82to prevent the fourth display device81and the fifth display device82from twisting in opposite directions about the x-axis ofFIG.24.

Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit of the disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood in isolation from the technical ideas or views of the present disclosure.