DISPLAY DEVICE

A display device is provided. The display device includes: a flexible display panel; a flexible plate disposed at a rear of the display panel and coupled to the display panel; a driving module disposed at a rear of the plate and including a moving block that moves in a reciprocating motion on the lead screw; sliding mounts spaced apart from the driving module and fixed to the rear of the plate; a slide bracket movably coupled to the sliding mounts; wings elongated with a first end coupled to the moving block and a second end coupled to the slide bracket, and having pivot shafts disposed adjacent to the moving block between the moving block and the slid bracket; and wing brackets connected with the pivot shafts and fixed to the rear of the plate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0067924, filed on Jun. 3, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The following description relates to a display device, and more particularly to a display device capable of changing a curvature of a display panel.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the development of the information society, there have been growing demands for various types of display devices, and in order to meet these demands, various display devices, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an electroluminescent display (ELD), a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, etc., have been studied and used recently.

Among these display devices, the OLED panel may display images as the panel includes a self light-emitting organic layer deposited on a substrate on which transparent electrodes are formed. The OLED panel is thin and flexible, and active research has been conducted on the structural characteristics of a display device including the OLED panel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an objective of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems.

It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide a structure capable of freely changing a curvature of a display panel.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide a mechanism capable of freely changing a curvature of a display.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the above and other objectives can be accomplished by providing a display device including: a flexible display panel; a flexible plate disposed at a rear of the display panel and coupled to the display panel; a driving module disposed at a rear of the plate and including a moving block that moves in a reciprocating motion on the lead screw; sliding mounts spaced apart from the driving module and fixed to the rear of the plate; a slide bracket movably coupled to the sliding mounts; wings elongated with a first end coupled to the moving block and a second end coupled to the slide bracket, and having pivot shafts disposed adjacent to the moving block between the moving block and the slid bracket; and wing brackets connected with the pivot shafts and fixed to the rear of the plate.

Effects of the Invention

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a structure capable of freely changing a curvature of a display panel may be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a mechanism capable of freely changing a curvature of a display may be provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to designate the same or similar components, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

The terms “module” and “unit” for elements used in the following description are given simply in view of the ease of the description, and do not have a distinguishing meaning or role. It will be noted that a detailed description of known arts will be omitted if it is determined that the detailed description of the known arts can obscure the embodiments of the invention. Further, the accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, a display panel will be described by using an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) as an example, but a display panel applicable to the present disclosure is not limited to the OLED panel.

In addition, in the following description, the display device may include a first long side LS1, a second long side LS2opposite the first long side LS1, a first short side SS1adjacent to one end of each of the first long side LS1and the second long side LS2, and a second short side SS2opposite the first short side SS1.

Here, an area of the first short side SS1may be referred to as a first side area; an area of the second short side SS2may be referred to as a second side area opposite to the first side area; an area of the first long side LS1may be referred to as a third side area adjacent to the first side area and the second side area and disposed between the first side area and the second side area; and an area of the second long side LS2may be referred to as a fourth side area adjacent to the first side area and the second side area, disposed between the first side area and the second side area, and opposite to the third side area.

For convenience of explanation, it is illustrated and described that the first and second long sides LS1and LS2are longer than the first and second short sides SS1and SS2, but it is also possible that the lengths of the first and second long sides LS1and LS2may be approximately equal to the lengths of the first and second short sides SS1and SS2.

In the following description, a first direction DR1may be a direction parallel to the long sides LS1and LS2of the display device, and a second direction DR2may be a direction parallel to the short sides SS1and SS2of the display device. A third direction DR3may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1and/or the second direction DR2.

The first direction DR1and the second direction DR2may be collectively referred to as a horizontal direction. Further, the third direction DR3may be referred to as a vertical direction.

A side or a surface, on which the display device displays an image, may be referred to as a front side or a front surface. When the display device displays an image, a side or a surface, at which the image cannot be observed, may be referred to as a rear side or a rear surface. When the display device is viewed from the front side or the front surface, the first long side LS1may be referred to as an upper side or an upper surface, and the second long side LS2may be referred to as a lower side or a lower surface. Likewise, the first short side SS1may be referred to as a left side or a left surface, and the second short side SS2may be referred to as a right side or a right surface.

The first long side LS1, the second long side LS2, the first short side SS1, and the second short side SS2may be referred to as edges of the display device. Further, positions where the first long side LS1, the second long side LS2, the first short side SS1, and the second short side SS2meet each other may be referred to as corners. For example, a position where the first long side LS1and the first short side SS1meet each other may be referred to as a first corner C1; a position where the first long side LS1and the second short side SS2meet each other may be referred to as a second corner C2; a position where the second short side SS2and the second long side LS2meet each other may be referred to as a third corner C3; and a position where the second long side LS2and the first short side SS1meet each other may be referred to as a fourth corner C4.

Here, a direction from the first short side SS1to the second short side SS2or a direction from the second short side SS2to the first short side SS1may be referred to as a left-right direction LR. A direction from the first long side LS1to the second long side LS2or a direction from the second long side LS2to the first long side LS1may be referred to as an up-down direction UD.

Referring toFIG.1, a display panel110may be coupled to a plate120. The plate120may be flexible. The plate120may be referred to as a flexible plate120, a frame120, or a module cover120. The display panel110may be disposed on a front side or a front surface of the plate120. The display panel110may be flexible. For example, the display panel110may be an OLED panel.

The display panel110may be provided on a front surface of a display device100and may display an image. The display panel110may divide the image into a plurality of pixels and may output the image while controlling color, brightness, and chroma of the respective pixels. The display panel110may generate light corresponding to red, green, or blue color in response to a control signal.

The display device100may have a variable curvature. The left and right sides of the display device100may move forward. For example, when an image is viewed from the front side of the display device100, the display device100may be curved concavely. In this case, the plate120may be curved with the same curvature as the display panel110. Alternatively, the display panel110may be curved corresponding to the curvature of the plate120.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, the plate120may be coupled to the rear of the display panel110. The plate120may support the display panel110at the rear of the display panel110. The plate120may have a shape corresponding to the display panel110.

A driving module130may be coupled to the rear of the plate120. A front bracket130F, a rear bracket130R, and wing brackets131and132may be disposed at the rear of the plate120. The front bracket130F may be coupled or fixed to a rear surface of the plate120. The rear bracket130R may be disposed at the rear of the front bracket130F, may be spaced apart from the front bracket130F, and may face the front bracket130F.

The wing brackets131and132may include bracket frames131aand132aand wing holders131band132b. The bracket frames131aand132amay be in the shape of a rectangular box. The wing holders131band132bmay be formed on one side of the bracket frames131aand132a. The wing holders131band132bmay protrude from one surface of the bracket frames131aand132a. The wing holders131band132bmay form a pair. The pair of wing holders131band132bmay be disposed opposite each other.

There may be a plurality of wing brackets131and132. The plurality of wing brackets131and132may include a first wing bracket131and a second wing bracket132. The first wing bracket131may be coupled or fixed to the front bracket130F and/or the rear bracket130R and may be disposed opposite the second wing bracket132with respect to the front bracket130F. The second wing bracket132may also be coupled or fixed to the front bracket130F and/or the rear bracket130R.

Wings141and142may include blades141aand142a, necks141band142b, and levers141cand142c. For example, the wings141and142may be made of metal. In another example, the wings141and142may be made of an aluminum alloy. The blades141aand142amay be elongated plates and may include ribs for providing rigidity. The levers141cand142cand the necks141band142bmay be formed at one end of the blades141aand142a. The necks141band142b, disposed between the levers141cand142cand the blades141aand142a, may connect the levers141cand142cand the blades141aand142a. A width of the necks141band142bmay be smaller than a width of the levers141cand142c, and a width of the levers141cand142cmay be smaller than a width of the blades141aand142a. Pivot shafts141pand142pmay be formed in the necks141band142b. The pivot shafts141pand142pmay be inserted into the wing holders131band132b. The wings141and142may pivot about the pivot shafts141pand142pand the wing holders131band132b.

The first wing141may be rotatably or pivotally coupled to the first wing bracket131, and the second wing142may be rotatably or pivotally coupled to the second wing bracket132. The first wing141may be symmetric to the second wing142with respect to a driving unit130.

Sliding mounts151and152may be coupled or fixed to a rear side or a rear surface of the plate120. A first sliding mount151may be disposed adjacent to a left side of the plate120, and a second sliding mount152may be disposed adjacent to a right side of the plate120. A distal end of the first wing141may be movably coupled to the first sliding mount151. A distal end of the second wing142may be movably coupled to the second sliding mount152.

A flip frame133may be disposed between the lever141cof the first wing141and the lever142cof the second wing142and may be coupled to the levers141cand142c. For example, the flip frame133may be made of metal. The flip frame133may include a first frame133aand a second frame133b. For example, the first frame133amay have a U-shape, and the second frame133bmay have a U-shape. The first frame133amay be pivotally connected with the second frame133b. A pivot pin133cmay pass through the first frame133aand the second frame133bto connect the first frame133aand the second frame133b. The first frame133amay pivot with respect to the second frame133b, and the second frame133bmay pivot with respect to the first frame133a. The first frame133amay be fixed or coupled to the lever141cof the first wing141, and the second frame133bmay be fixed or coupled to the lever142cof the second wing142.

A moving block134may be disposed inside the flip frame133. The moving block134may be disposed between the first frame133aand the second frame133bof the flip frame133.

A lead screw135may be inserted into the moving block134. The moving block134may be moved on the lead screw135by rotation of the lead screw135. By rotation and reverse rotation of the lead screw135, the moving block134may perform a reciprocating motion on the lead screw135.

The lead screw135may be coupled to the driving gear136and may rotate together with the driving gear136. The driving gear136may rotate while facing a rear surface of the plate120(seeFIG.2). The lead screw135may be a rotating shaft of the driving gear136. A bearing B may be coupled to one end and/or both ends of the lead screw135. The lead screw135may rotate with the one end being inserted into a front bearing B and the other end being inserted into a rear bearing B. For example, the lead screw135may be press-fit into the front bearing B and the rear bearing B.

A motor137may be disposed under the moving block134. The motor137may provide torque. A gear box138may transmit the torque of the motor137to the driving gear136.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, a first gear138amay be fixed to a rotating shaft137aof the motor137to rotate together with the rotating shaft137aof the motor137. For example, the first gear138amay be a worm. A second gear138bmay be engaged with the first gear138a. For example, the second gear138may be a worm gear.

The first gear138aand the second gear138bmay be disposed in the gear box138. A transmission gear138cmay be disposed outside the gear box138. The transmission gear138cmay be fixed to the rotating shaft137aof the second gear138band may rotate together with the second gear138b. The transmission gear138cmay be engaged with the driving gear136.

The lead screw135may be a rotating shaft of the driving gear136. The driving gear136may be fixed to the lead screw135. The driving gear136may be coupled to the lead screw135by a pin.

Referring toFIG.6, the lead screw135may include a shaft body135aand a screw135b. The shaft body135amay be in the shape of an elongated cylinder, and the screw135bmay be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft body135a. The moving block134may include a moving body134aand a sliding block134b. For example, the moving body134amay be made of metal, and the sliding block134bmay be made of a synthetic resin. The sliding block134bmay be disposed inside the moving body134a. The sliding block134bmay be screw-coupled to the lead screw135.

The lead screw135may be inserted into the sliding block134b. The sliding block134bmay be moved on the lead screw135by the rotation of the lead screw135. Clearance may be formed between an inner circumferential surface of the sliding block134band the screw135bof the lead screw135, thereby preventing the moving block134from being caught or locked while moving on the lead screw135.

Referring toFIG.7, the moving body134amay include an outer part134a1and an inner part134a2. The outer part134a1may form an outer surface of the moving body134a. The inner part134a2may be coupled to the inside of the outer part134a1. For example, the outer part134a1may be a U-shaped metal plate, and the inner part134a2may be a metal shell having an inner receiving space. The sliding block134bmay be coupled to the inside of the inner part134a2.

A pivot pin133cmay protrude and extend from the outer part134a1of the moving body134a. The first frame133aand the second frame133bof the flip frame133may include holes133H1and133H2. The pivot pin133cmay be inserted into the hole133H2of the second frame133band the hole133H1of the first frame133a. A disc133dmay be disposed between the first frame133aand the second frame133b, and the pivot pin133cmay be inserted into a hole133dH of the disk133d. For example, the disk133dmay be made of a material having high durability and low friction characteristics.

An intermediate member139may be disposed between the moving body134a, the pivot pin133c, and the flip frame133. The intermediate member139may cover an upper surface of the moving body134aand an outer surface of the pivot pin133c. The intermediate member139may be referred to as a low friction member139or a lubricating member139. In addition, the intermediate member139may be referred to as a skin member139.

The intermediate member139may include a body part139aand a flange part139b. The body part139amay have a cylindrical shape. The pivot pin133cmay be inserted into the body part139a. The body part139amay make contact with the outer surface of the pivot pin133c, and the flange part139bmay make contact with the upper surface of the moving body134a. The intermediate member139may be made of a synthetic resin having low friction characteristics. The intermediate member139may be made of a low friction material. For example, the intermediate member139may be made of polyoxymethylene (POM, acetal homopolymer). The first frame133aand the second frame133bof the flip frame133may move about the pivot pin133cwhile making contact with or rubbing against the intermediate member139.

The intermediate member139may fill a gap between the pivot pin133cand the hole133H1of the first frame133aof the flip frame133. The intermediate member139may fill a gap between the pivot pin133cand the hole133H2of the second frame133bof the flip frame133. The second frame133bof the flip frame133may be placed on the intermediate member139. Accordingly, the pivot pin133cmay transmit force to the flip frame133without causing noise or vibrations.

Referring toFIGS.8and9, when the lead screw135rotates, the moving block134and the flip frame133may move on the lead screw135. The flip frame133may perform a reciprocating motion in a longitudinal direction of the lead screw135. The movement of the flip frame133allows the first wing141and/or the second wing142to pivot about the pivot shafts141P and142P.

A first distance D1from the pivot pin133cto the pivot shafts141P and142P may be smaller than a second distance D2from the pivot shafts141P and142P to the sliding mounts151and152. For example, the first distance D1may be one-fourth of the second distance D2. The levers141cand142cof the wings141and142are fixed to the flip frame133, and when the pivot pin133cmoves, the flip frame133moves together with the pivot pin133c, such that a driving force of the moving block134, moving on the lead screw135, may be transmitted efficiently to the levers141cand142cof the wings141and142via the flip frame133.

In addition, as the levers141cand142cof the wings141and142are fixed to the flip frame133and move together with the flip frame133, the first distance D1increases such that less force is required to drive the wings141and142, thereby increasing power transmission efficiency of the driving unit130and reducing power consumption of the motor137.

Referring toFIGS.10and11, an elastic member101may include a first part101a, a second part101b, and a third part101c. The elastic member101may be referred to as a first elastic member101or a clip101. The first part101amay be a plate. The second part101bmay be bent and extend from the first part101a. The third part101cmay be bent and extend from the second part101b. The third part101cmay face the first part101a. A second angle formed between the second part101band the third part101cmay be greater than a first angle formed between the first part101aand the second part101b. In the extending direction, the third part101cmay be longer than the first part101a. The elastic member101may be a metal plate and may have elasticity. For example, the elastic member101may be a leaf spring.

A coupling hole101H1may be formed in the first part101a. There may be a plurality of coupling holes101H1. A support rib101R may be formed on the third part101c. The support rib101R may be elongated in the direction in which the third part101cextends. There may be a plurality of support ribs101R. The support ribs101R may protrude from an outer surface of the third part101c. The plurality of support ribs101R may be parallel to each other.

The elastic member101may be inserted between the moving block134and the levers141cand142cof the wings141and142. The first part101aof the elastic member101may be fixed to the levers141cand142cof the wings141and142. For example, the first part101aof the elastic member101may be screw-coupled to the levers141cand142cof the wings141and142. The third part101cof the elastic member101may support the moving block134. The third part101cof the elastic member101may make contact with a side surface of the moving block134. The third part101cof the elastic member101may make contact with the outer part134a1and/or the inner part134a2of the moving body134a. The outer part134a1and/or the inner part134a2of the moving body134a, making contact with the third part101cof the elastic member101, may be rounded. The support ribs101R formed on the third part101cof the elastic member101may make contact with the inner part134a2of the moving block134.

There may be a plurality of elastic members101. Each of the plurality of elastic members101may be inserted between the moving block134and the lever141cof the first wing141and between the moving block134and the lever142cof the second wing142.

In a mechanism in which the flip frame133flips or pivots about the pivot pin133c, clearance may be formed between the pivot pin133cof the moving block134and the holes133H1and133H2(seeFIG.7) of the flip frame133. The elastic member101may push the moving block134in one direction. As the elastic member101pushes the moving block134in one direction, the pivot pin133cof the moving block134may be pressed against one side of the holes133H1and133H2of the flip frame133.

Accordingly, in the entire region in which the moving block134moves on the lead screw134, the moving block134may transmit force to the flip frame133. In a mechanism in which the moving block134transmits force to the flip frame133, clearance between the components may cause the display panel110to temporarily stop bending. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, continuous bending of the display panel110may be performed.

Referring toFIGS.12and13, an elastic member102may include a lever part120a, support parts102dand102e, and coil parts102band102c. The elastic member102may be formed as a wire. The elastic member102may be referred to as a second elastic member102.

The lever part102amay be a wire bent in a U-shape. The coil parts102band102cmay be connected to the lever part102a. There may be a plurality of coil parts102band102c. A first coil part102bmay be connected to a first end of the lever part102a, and the second coil part102cmay be connected to a second end of the lever part102a. There may be a plurality of support parts102dand102e. A first support part102dmay form a distal end of the first coil part102b, and the second support part102emay form a distal end of the second coil part102c.

When the support parts102dand102eare fixed, the lever part102amay rotate or pivot about the coil parts102band102c. The coil parts102band102cmay provide elasticity to the lever part102a.

The elastic member102may be disposed on the wing bracket132. The support parts102dand102eof the elastic member102may be fixed to the bracket frame132aof the wing bracket132. The lever part102aof the elastic member102may be supported by the lever142cof the wing142.

The wing142may include a support groove142c2and a friction pad142c1. The support groove142c2may be formed at a position corresponding to a portion of a length of the lever part102aof the elastic member102. The friction pad142c1may be formed on the support groove142c2. The friction pad142c1may protrude from the support groove142c2and a surface of the friction pad142c1may be smoothly polished.

When the wings141and142are pivotally coupled to the wing brackets131and132, clearance may be formed between the pivot shafts141pand142pof the wings141and142and the wing holders131band132bof the wing brackets131and132. In a mechanism in which the moving block134transmits force to the flip frame133to allow the wings141and142to bend the display panel110, the clearance between the components may cause the display panel110to temporarily stop bending. The wings141and142may receive force from the elastic member102in a forward direction of the display device100, thereby allowing for continuous bending of the display panel110. In addition, power consumption of the motor137required to bend the display panel110may be reduced.

In addition, as the sliding block134b(seeFIG.6) is screw-coupled to the lead screw135, clearance may be formed to allow the sliding block134bto move on the lead screw135s. As the elastic member102pushes the wings141and142to press the sliding block134bin one direction of the lead screw135, continuous bending of the display panel110may be performed. Further, when the torque of the motor137and the lead screw135is released while the display panel110is in a flat shape, flatness of the display panel110may be changed. In this embodiment, the display panel110may remain flat and/or curved with a predetermined curvature.

Referring toFIGS.14, the flip frame133may have the holes133H1and133H2. The holes133H1and133H2may be formed adjacent to a distal end of the first frame133aand/or the second frame133bof the flip frame133. The holes133H1and133H2may be long holes133H1and133H2having a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis of the holes133H1and133H2may be parallel to a longitudinal direction of the frame133. The minor axis of the holes133H1and133H2may cross the longitudinal direction of the frame133.

Referring toFIGS.15to17, the pivot pin133cmay be inserted into the holes133H1and133H2of the flip frame133, and the moving block134may move on the lead screw135. As the moving block134moves on the lead screw135, the display panel110changes from a flat screen (seeFIG.15) to a curved screen (seeFIG.16), in which the display panel110may be curved with a constant curvature (seeFIG.17).

When the display panel110starts to become curved after being in a flat shape, or when the display panel110, after being curved with a predetermined curvature, becomes flat as a radius of curvature becomes greater than a predetermined radius of curvature, a moving direction of the moving block134may be changed. That is, at a start point and an end point of the moving block134, the display panel110may be flat or may be curved with a predetermined curvature.

When the moving direction of the moving block134is changed at the start point and/or the end point, a direction in which the pivot pin133capplies force to the holes133H1and133H2of the flip frame133may be changed. As the direction in which the pivot pin133capplies force to the holes133H1and133H2of the flip frame133is changed, clearance formed between the pivot pin133cand the holes133H1and133H2of the flip frame133may stop the continuity of change in curvature of the display panel110.

Referring toFIGS.18and19, the major axis of the holes133H1and133H2of the flip frame133may form an angle θ with respect to a longitudinal direction of the flip frame133. For example, the angle θ may correspond to an angle θ formed between the pivot shafts141pand142pof the wings141and142(seeFIG.8) and the start point or the end point of the moving block134with respect to a line connecting the pivot shafts141pand142pof the wings141and142.

As the holes133H1and133H2of the flip frame133move closer to the start point or the end point of the moving block134, the major axis of the holes133H1and133H2of the flip frame133may become parallel to a baseline connecting the pivot shafts141pand142pof the wings141and142of the moving block134. When a moving direction of the pivot pin133cis changed, the moving direction of the pivot pin133cmay be aligned with a direction of the minor axis of the holes133H1and133H2of the flip frame133.

When the moving direction of the pivot pin133cis changed such that the moving direction of the pivot pin133cis aligned with the minor axis of the holes133H1and133H2of the flip frame133, clearance formed between the pivot pin133cand the holes133H1and133H2of the flip frame133may be minimized. Accordingly, by the movement and/or direction change of the moving block134, the pivot pin133cmay continuously transmit power or force to the flip frame133.

Referring toFIGS.20and21, a first sliding mount151may be fixed to the rear surface of the plate120at a position adjacent to the first short side SS1of the plate120. The second sliding mount152may be fixed to the rear surface of the plate120at a position adjacent to the second short side SS2of the plate120.

The driving module130may be disposed between the first sliding mount151and the second sliding mount152and may be coupled to the rear surface of the plate120. The first wing141may have a first end pivotally connected to the driving module130and a second end coupled to the first sliding mount151. The second end of the first wing151may move on the first sliding mount151. The second wing142may have a first end pivotally connected to the driving module130and a second end coupled to the second sliding mount152. The second end of the second wing142may move on the second sliding mount152.

A PCB plate159may be disposed at the rear of the driving module130. The PCB plate159may be fixed to the rear bracket130R (seeFIG.2) of the driving module130. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) may be coupled to the PCB plate159.

A side cover200may form a wall around the sides of the driving module130. For example, the side cover200may be a square frame. A back cover (not shown) may be coupled to the side cover200while covering the driving module130.

A slide bracket160may be coupled or fixed to distal ends of the wings141and142. The slide bracket160may include a body161having an elongated plate shape and protrusions162and163formed adjacent to both ends of the body161. The protrusions162and163may be referred to as friction protrusions162and163or contact protrusions162and163. For example, the slide bracket160may be made of metal.

The body161may include a center part and a side part. The center part may face or overlap the wings141and142. The side part may be formed on one side or both sides of the center part and may be exposed to the outside of the wings141and142. The protrusions162and163may be formed on the side part of the body161.

There may be a plurality of protrusions162and163. The plurality of protrusions162and163may include front protrusions163and rear protrusions162. The front protrusions163may be formed at the first corner C1and/or the fourth corner C4of the body161. The front protrusions163may protrude by being pressed toward the front of the body161. The front protrusions163may have a dome shape or a hemispherical shape. The rear protrusions162may be formed at the second corner C2and/or the third corner C3of the body161. The rear protrusions162may protrude by being pressed toward the rear of the body161. The rear protrusions162may have a dome shape or a hemispherical shape. The rear protrusions162may be adjacent to the front protrusions163. The front protrusions163and the rear protrusions162may be disposed sequentially along the short side of the body161. One first pair of the front protrusion163and the rear protrusion162may be disposed opposite another pair of the front protrusion163and the rear protrusion162with respect to the wings141and142.

Referring toFIGS.22and23, the slide bracket160may be coupled to the guide cover170. The slide bracket160may be inserted into the guide cover170and may move on the guide cover170. For example, the guide cover170may be made of a synthetic resin having low frictional force. The guide cover170may be made of a low friction material. For example, the guide cover170may be made of polyoxymethylene (POM, acetal homopolymer).

The guide cover170may include a base171, a side rail172, and a fixing plate173. The base171may have an elongated plate shape and may face the slide bracket160. The side rail172may be formed at both ends of the base171. The side rail172may include a lower part172L and an upper part172U. The lower part172L may extend from the base171.

A lower trench172LT may be formed in the lower part172L. The lower trench172LT may be formed in the lower part172L as an upper surface of the lower part172L is recessed inward in an elongated shape. For example, the lower trench172LT may be in the shape of a half pipe. The front protrusion163of the slide bracket160may move on the lower trench172LT. A radius of curvature of the front protrusion163may be smaller than a radius of curvature of the lower trench172LT. Accordingly, the front protrusion163may make point contact with the lower trench172LT.

The upper part172U may be spaced apart from the lower part172LT and may face the lower part172L. A gap may be formed between the upper part172U and the lower part172L, and the slide bracket160may be inserted into the gap. An upper trench172UT may be formed in the upper part172U. The upper trench172UT may be formed in the upper part172UT as a lower surface of the upper part172U is recessed inward in an elongated shape. For example, the upper trench172UT may be in the shape of a half pipe. The rear protrusion162of the slide bracket160may move on the lower trench172LT. A radius of curvature of the rear protrusion162may be smaller than a radius of curvature of the upper trench172UT. Accordingly, the rear protrusion162may make point contact with the upper trench172UT.

As the slide bracket160and the guide cover170are coupled to each other, it is possible to prevent drooping or sagging of the wings141and142due to self-weight.

The slide bracket160may include a coupling part161aand a PEM nut161bor a coupling protrusion161bfor coupling with the wings141and142. The guide cover170may include a PEM nut170bor a coupling protrusion170bfor coupling with the sliding mounts151and152.

Referring toFIGS.24to26, the slide bracket160may be coupled to front surfaces of the wing blades141aand142bat a position adjacent to the distal ends of the wings141and142. The guide cover170may be fixed to the sliding mounts151and152. The slide bracket160may be inserted into the guide cover170and may move on the guide cover170while performing a reciprocating motion in a longitudinal direction of the wings141and142.

When the display panel110becomes flat after being curved with a predetermined curvature, the slide bracket160may move on the guide cover170toward the short sides SS1and SS2of the plate120. The front protrusion163may move on the lower trench172LT. The front protrusion163may move on the lower trench172LT while making contact with or rubbing smoothly against a surface of the lower trench172LT. The rear protrusion162may move on the upper trench172UT while making contact with or rubbing smoothly against a surface of the upper trench172UT.

When the display panel110changes from flat to curved with a predetermined curvature, the slide bracket160may move on the guide cover170from the short sides SS1and SS2of the plate120toward the driving module130. The front protrusion163may move on the lower trench172LT. The front protrusion163may move on the lower trench172LT while making contact with or rubbing smoothly against the surface of the lower trench172LT. The rear protrusion162may move on the upper trench172UT while making contact with or rubbing smoothly against the surface of the upper trench172UT.

As the protrusions162and163make point contact with the trenches172LT and172UT, it is possible to reduce friction and abrasion caused by the friction, and no lubricant is required, thereby improving structural durability of a mechanism.

Referring toFIG.27, the lower trench172LT may include a first inclined surface172aand a second inclined surface172b, and the upper trench172UT may include a third inclined surface172cand a fourth inclined surface172d. The first inclined surface172amay form a first angle θ1with respect to a base surface LB. The second inclined surface172bmay form a second angle θ2with respect to the base surface LB. The second inclined surface172bmay make contact with the first inclined surface172a.

The third inclined surface172cmay form a third angle θ3with respect to the base surface UB. The fourth inclined surface172dmay form a fourth angle θ4with respect to the base UB. The fourth inclined surface172dmay be in contact with the third inclined surface172c. A boundary between the third inclined surface172cand the fourth inclined surface172dmay correspond to or may be aligned with a boundary between the first inclined surface172aand the second inclined surface172b. For example, the boundary between the third inclined surface172cand the fourth inclined surface172dmay be vertically aligned on the same line as the boundary between the first inclined surface172aand the second inclined surface172b.

The second angle θ2may be greater than the first angle θ1. The third angle θ3may be greater than the fourth angle θ4. The first inclined surface172amay be longer than the second inclined surface172b. The fourth inclined surface172dmay be longer than the third inclined surface172c. The third inclined surface172cmay face the first inclined surface172a, and the second inclined surface172bmay face the fourth inclined surface172d.

Referring toFIG.28along withFIG.24, the slide bracket160, to which the wing140is coupled, may be inserted into or coupled to the guide cover170and the sliding mounts151and152. As the wings151and152move by pivoting about the driving module130, the slide bracket160may move on the guide cover170in a longitudinal direction of the wing140.

When the wing140causes the display panel110to bend from flat to curved, the slide bracket160may move from the first inclined surface172ato the second inclined surface172b. When the wing140causes the display panel110, which is curved with a predetermined curvature, to become flat, the slide bracket160may move from the second inclined surface172bto the first inclined surface172a.

Referring toFIG.28along withFIG.25, while the wing140causes the display panel110to bend from flat to curved, the front protrusion163of the slide bracket160may slide in contact with the lower trench172LT. The front protrusion163may press and rub against the lower trench172LT. The rear protrusion162may slide in contact with the upper trench172UT or may slide while being supported by the upper trench172UT.

While the wing140causes the display panel110, which is curved with a predetermined curvature, to become flat, the front protrusion163of the slide bracket160may slide in contact with the lower trench172LT or may slide while being supported by the lower trench172LT. The rear protrusion162may slide in contact with the upper trench172UT or may slide while being supported by the upper trench172UT.

Accordingly, when the display panel110is curved, the display panel110curved with a predetermined curvature may have a constant curvature or a curvature close to the constant curvature.

Referring toFIG.29along withFIG.2, as the lead screw135is rotated by the torque provided by the motor137, the flip frame133moves in a longitudinal direction of the lead screw135, such that the wing140may pivot about the pivot shafts141P and142P.

When the wing140pivots, the slide bracket160moves on the sliding mounts151and152(seeFIG.24) and the guide cover170while pushing both short sides of the display panel110and the plate120to bend the display panel110.

When the lead screw135is reversely rotated, the flip frame133moves in a reverse direction of the lead screw135, such that the wing140may pivot about the pivot shafts141P and142P in an opposite direction.

When the wing140pivots in the opposite direction, the slide bracket160moves on the sliding mounts151and152and the guide cover170while pulling both short sides of the display panel110and the plate120to flatten the display panel110.

Referring toFIGS.1to29, a display device includes: a flexible display panel110; a flexible plate120disposed at a rear of the display panel110and coupled to the display panel110; a driving module130disposed at a rear of the plate120and including a moving block134that moves in a reciprocating motion on the lead screw135; sliding mounts151and152spaced apart from the driving module130and fixed to the rear of the plate120; a slide bracket160movably coupled to the sliding mounts151and152; wings141and142elongated with a first end coupled to the moving block134and a second end coupled to the slide bracket160, and having pivot shafts141P and142P disposed adjacent to the moving block134between the moving block134and the slid bracket160; and wing brackets131and132connected with the pivot shafts141P and142P and fixed to the rear of the plate120.

The display device may further include a guide cover170which is fixed to the sliding mounts151and152, and on which the slide bracket160moves.

The slide bracket160may include: a body161including a center part overlapping the wings141and142and a side part extending from one side of the center part; and a front protrusion163formed on the side part of the body161and protruding from one surface of the body161toward the plate120, wherein the front protrusion163may be supported by the guide cover170.

The slide bracket160may further include a rear protrusion162formed on the side part of the body at a position adjacent to the front protrusion163, and protruding from another surface of the body161in a direction opposite the front protrusion163, wherein the rear protrusion162may be supported by the guide cover170.

The guide cover170may include: a base171facing the center part of the body161of the slide bracket160; and a side rail172which is formed at one side of the base171and in which the side part of the body161of the slide bracket160is inserted, wherein the front protrusion163and the rear protrusion162may move on the side rail172.

The side rail172may include: a lower part172L extending from the base161and facing the side part of the body161of the slide bracket160; and an upper part172U disposed opposite the lower part172L with respect to the body161of the slide bracket160, wherein the front protrusion163may be supported by the lower part172L, and the rear protrusion162may be supported by the upper part172U.

The lower part172L of the side rail172may include a lower trench172LT recessed toward an inside of the lower part172L, such that the front protrusion163may move on the lower trench172LT; and the upper part172U of the side rail172may include an upper trench172UT recessed toward an inside of the upper part172U, such that the rear protrusion162may move on the upper trench172UT.

The front protrusion163may make point contact with the lower trench172LT, and the rear protrusion162may make point contact with the upper trench172UT.

The lower trench172LT may include a first inclined surface172ahaving a first angle θ1with respect to a base surface LB, and a second inclined surface172bhaving a second angle θ2with respect to the base surface LB and forming a boundary with the first inclined surface172a; and the upper trench172UT may include a third inclined surface172chaving a third angle θ3with respect to a base surface UB, and a fourth inclined surface172dhaving a fourth angle θ4with respect to the base surface UB and forming a boundary with the third inclined surface172c.

The second angle θ2may be greater than the first angle θ1, and the third angle θ3may be greater than the fourth angle θ4.

The first inclined surface172amay face the third inclined surface172c, and the second inclined surface172bmay face the fourth inclined surface172d.

The slide bracket160may include metal, and the guide cover170may include a synthetic resin.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the invention described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the invention described above may be combined or combined with each other in configuration or function.