Flexible display and fixing method thereof

A flexible display includes a flexible substrate, a metal material coupled to the flexible substrate, and at least one electromagnet coupled to the flexible substrate. The electromagnet generates a force to attract the metal material when the flexible substrate changes from a first state to a second state. The force assists in holding the flexible substrate in the second state, which may be a rolled state, folded state, or another changed state. The flexible substrate includes a display area corresponding to a plurality of pixels for generating an image.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0046192, filed on Apr. 25, 2013, and entitled, “Flexible Display and Fixing Method Thereof,” is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

One or more embodiments described herein relate to a display.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Various types of flat panel displays have been developed to meet the information needs of a global society. Examples of flat panel displays include a liquid crystal display device (LCD), a plasma display panel device (PDP), a field emission display device (FED), and an electroluminescence display device (ELD). Because these displays are lighter in weight, thinner, and have low power consumption, they are rapidly replacing cathode ray tubes (CRTs).

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a flexible display includes a flexible display panel having a non-display area adjacent a display area, the flexible display panel including at least one electromagnet in the non-display area; and a power supply to supply power to the flexible display panel. In one arrangement, a plurality of electromagnets may be positioned in opposing first and second sides of the non-display area.

Electromagnets positioned on the first side of the non-display area may be arranged in a first line and spaced from each other, electromagnets positioned on the second side of the non-display area may be arranged in a second line and spaced from each other, and the first line and the second line may be substantially parallel to each other. The plurality of electromagnets may be symmetrically arranged relative to the display area.

The flexible display panel may include at least one metal plate positioned in the non-display area, and the electromagnet and the metal plate may be positioned on different planes. The electromagnet may overlap the metal plate.

When the power is supplied to the electromagnet when the flexible display panel is in a rolled state, the electromagnet may generate a force to pull the metal plate to fix the flexible display panel in the rolled state.

The flexible display panel may include at least one metal plate positioned in the non-display area, and the electromagnet and the metal plate may be positioned on a same plane. The electromagnet may be positioned on one side of the non-display area, and the metal plate may be positioned on an opposing side of the non-display area.

When the power is supplied to the electromagnet when the flexible display panel is in a folded state, the electromagnet may generate a force to pull the metal plate to fix the flexible display panel in the folded state. An electromagnet driver may drive the electromagnet to adjust an amount of current applied to the electromagnet.

In accordance with another embodiment, a flexible display includes a flexible display panel and a power supply to supply power to the flexible display panel. The flexible display panel includes a flexible substrate and a device layer on the flexible substrate, the device layer including a first device layer and a second device layer that surrounds the first device layer, and the second device layer includes at least one electromagnet. The flexible display panel may include a non-display area around a display area, the first device layer may be positioned in the display area, and the second device layer may be positioned in the non-display area. The flexible substrate may include a metal material.

The flexible display panel may include at least one metal plate positioned in the non-display area, and the metal plate may be included in the flexible substrate. The flexible display panel may include the flexible substrate and a barrier layer between the flexible substrate and the device layer, and the electromagnet may overlap the metal plate. The flexible display panel may include an encapsulation layer on the device layer, and at least one of the electromagnet or the metal plate may be exposed to an external surface of the flexible display panel.

In accordance with one embodiment, a method for fixing a flexible display device includes changing a shape of a flexible display panel that includes at least one electromagnet; and supplying power to the electromagnet. The flexible display panel may include a non-display area around a display area, and the electromagnet may be positioned in the non-display area. The flexible display panel may include at least one metal plate, and changing the shape of the flexible display panel may include positioning the electromagnet to be adjacent to the metal plate that corresponds to the electromagnet.

In accordance with one embodiment, a display includes a flexible substrate, a metal material coupled to the flexible substrate, and at least one electromagnet coupled to the flexible substrate, wherein the electromagnet is to generate a force to attract the metal material when the flexible substrate changes from a first state to a second state, the force to assist in holding the flexible substrate in the second state, and wherein the flexible substrate includes a display area corresponding to a plurality of pixels. The metal material may be a plate or a material included in another electromagnet. The first state may be an open state and the second state may be a closed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates an embodiment of a flexible display,FIG. 2is a bottom view of the flexible display,FIG. 3is a view taken along section line III-III′ ofFIG. 1,FIG. 4is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion IV ofFIG. 3, andFIG. 5illustrates a configuration of the flexible display according to one embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 5, flexible display100includes a flexible display panel100, a power supply portion200, and a driving portion300. The flexible display panel100may be a display panel which displays images and has a shape which is able to be changed through, for example, rolling, folding, bending, and the like. The display panel may be, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, an electrophoretic display panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) panel, an inorganic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel, a FED (Field Emission Display) panel, a SED (Surface-conduction Electron-emitter Display) panel, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display panel, or the like. For illustrative purposes, an OLED display panel having a shape which is able to be changed will be described.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 3, the flexible display panel100may be divided into a display area D and a non-display area N. The display area D may correspond to an area where an image is displayed, and may be positioned in a predetermined (e.g., center) portion of the flexible display panel100. In other embodiments, the predetermined position may be different from the center. The non-display area N may correspond to an area where an image is not displayed. For example, the non-display area N may be an edge portion of the flexible display panel100. In one embodiment, the non-display area N may be adjacent to and surround the display area D. However, in other embodiments one or more intervening areas may be situated between areas D and N, and/or area N may not completely surround area D.

In one embodiment, the shape formed by a boundary line between the display area D and the non-display area N may be a rectangle. In other embodiments, the boundary line may be a different shape including but not limited to a circle or polygon.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the flexible display panel100may include a flexible substrate140, a barrier layer150, a device layer160, and an encapsulation layer170. The flexible substrate140is a substrate having a shape which is able to be changed, such as rolling, folding, and bending. In one example, the substrate may be provided as a cuboidal plate. Also, the flexible substrate140may be made of plastic having superior heat resistance and durability such as, for example, one or more of polyethylene ether phthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyether imide, polyether sulfone, or polyimide.

The barrier layer150may be positioned on the flexible substrate140, and may be made of an insulating material. Further, the barrier layer150may include at least one inorganic film, at least one organic film, at least one organic/inorganic film, and/or a laminated film including a combination of the aforementioned films. The barrier layer150may prevent unnecessary components from penetrating the flexible substrate140and permeating into the device layer160.

The device layer160may be positioned on the barrier layer150, and may include a first device layer160aand a second device layer160b. The first device layer160amay be positioned in at a predetermined (e.g., center) portion of the flexible substrate140. Further, the first device layer160amay be positioned in the display area D. The first device layer160amay include pixels180for displaying an image. Each pixel180may include an organic light emitting device E (seeFIG. 4). Further, the first device layer160amay further include various devices such as one or more thin film transistors for driving the pixel180and at least one capacitor.

The second device layer160bmay be positioned at a predetermined (e.g., edge) portion of the flexible substrate140. Further, the second device layer160bmay be positioned in the non-display area N. The second device layer160bmay not include the pixel180. Further, the second device layer160bmay include various kinds of circuits and wirings for supplying image or other signals to the pixels180included in the first device layer160a.

The encapsulation layer170may be positioned on the device layer160, and may be made of an insulating material. Further, the encapsulation layer170may include at least one inorganic film, at least one organic layer, at least one organic/inorganic film, and/or a laminated film including a combination of the aforementioned films. The encapsulation layer170may function to protect the device layer160from an external environment by covering the device layer160.

Referring toFIG. 4, the first device layer160amay include at least one organic light emitting device E. The organic light emitting device E may include a pixel electrode P, a common electrode C that faces the pixel electrode P, and an organic light emitting layer O interposed between the pixel electrode P and the common electrode C. The pixel electrode P may be electrically connected to a driving thin film transistor (TFT) on the flexible substrate140. Further, the organic light emitting device E may include at least one switching thin film transistor and a storage capacitor.

When current is applied to the organic light emitting layer O through the pixel electrode P and the common electrode C, the organic light emitting device E emits light. The light emitted from the organic light emitting layer O may be emitted only to the side of the flexible substrate140, only to the side of the encapsulation layer170, or to both sides of the flexible substrate140and the encapsulation layer170.

Referring again toFIGS. 1 to 3, the flexible display panel100may further include an electromagnet110, a connection wiring120, and a metal plate130. The electromagnet110is magnetized when current is received and demagnetized to return to an original state when current is cut off. The electromagnet110may include, for example, a cylindrical core and a coil. The coil is made of a predetermined metal material, and may be spirally wound on the core with a predetermined number of turns. When current is applied to the wound coil, ends of electromagnet110become a north (N) magnetic pole and a south (S) magnetic pole, respectively. The magnetic poles may be determined by the winding direction of the coil and the direction of the current applied to the coil.

The electromagnet110may be positioned on the edge portion of the flexible substrate140. Further, the electromagnet110may be positioned in the non-display area N. Further, the electromagnet110may be included in the second device layer160b. In one embodiment, the electromagnet110is surrounded by the second device layer160b.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, an upper surface of the electromagnet110may contact the encapsulation layer170, a lower surface of the electromagnet110may contact the barrier layer150, and a side surface of the electromagnet110may contact the second device layer160b. The portions that contact the electromagnet110(that is, the encapsulation layer170, the barrier layer150, and the second device layer160b) may be made of an insulating material. Also, the core and the coil of the electromagnet110may be appropriately arranged so that the portion of the electromagnet110, which has a specific polarity corresponds to the upper surface of the electromagnet110or the lower surface of the electromagnet110.

In one embodiment, the electromagnet110may be spaced apart from the first device layer160aby a sufficient distance. That is, in order to minimize influence of magnetic force exerted by the electromagnet110on the pixels180positioned inside the first device layer160a, the electromagnet110may be spaced apart from the first device layer160aby a sufficient distance. The second device layer160bthat includes an insulating material may be interposed between the electromagnet110and the first device layer160a.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3, the electromagnet110is positioned in the center portion of the non-display area N. In other embodiments, the electromagnet110may be positioned at an edge of the non-display area N that is not adjacent to the display area D. For example, the electromagnet110may contact edges of the barrier layer150and the encapsulation layer170, and one side surface of the electromagnet110may face outside. Further, a material that may intercept the magnetic force may be interposed between the electromagnet110and the first device layer160a, in addition to the second device layer160b. Further, a metal material may be bonded to the side surface of the electromagnet110that does not face the first device layer160a. If the electromagnet110and the metal material are bonded together, a magnetic circuit that includes the electromagnet110and the metal material may be formed. In such a magnetic circuit, most magnetic force passes through the inside of the metal material. Thus, the influence of magnetic force exerted on the first device layer160amay be reduced or minimized.

In one embodiment, a plurality of electromagnets110may be provided. The plurality of electromagnets110may be positioned on one side of the non-display area N and on another (e.g., opposing) side of the non-display area N. In one embodiment, the plurality of electromagnets110may be arranged in a parallel structure. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1, some of the electromagnets110are positioned in the non-display area N adjacent to one side of the flexible display panel100, and other electromagnets110are positioned in the opposing side of the non-display area N.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1, the plurality of electromagnets110are positioned adjacent the long sides of the flexible display panel100. In other embodiments, the plurality of electromagnets110may be positioned adjacent the short sides of the flexible display panel100.

The electromagnets110positioned on upper side of the display panel may be arranged in a first line L1 and spaced apart from each other. The electromagnets110positioned on the lower side of the display panel may be arranged in a second line L2 and may also be spaced apart from each other. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1, the first line L1 and the second line L2 may be lines that extend in the x-direction. In other embodiments, the first and second lines L1 and L2 may extend in the y-direction.

Also, the first line L1 and the second line L2 may be parallel to each other, but not necessarily so. In another example, the first line L1 may be parallel to a boundary line between the display area D that is adjacent to one side of the non-display area N and the non-display area N. Similarly, the second line L2 may be parallel to a boundary line between the display area D that is adjacent to the opposing side of the non-display area N and the non-display area N. Also, in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1, adjacent pairs of electromagnets110may be spaced by the same or different distances.

The electromagnets110may be symmetrically arranged based on or relative to the display area D. In an exemplary embodiment, electromagnets110may be arranged to be symmetrical relative to a line that divides the display area D into two equal parts. In other embodiment, the electromagnets110may be arranged to be symmetrical relative to a predetermined point, which, for example, may be a center portion or point of the display area D. Also, the number of electromagnets on opposing sides of the display area D may be the same or different.

Connection wiring120may electrically connect the electromagnets110to each other, and optionally may connect the electromagnets110to the power supply portion200. The connection wiring120may be made of a conductive material through which current may flow. Also, in one embodiment, the connection wiring120may wrap around the cores of the electromagnets110to serve as the coils of the electromagnets110. In other embodiments, the coil windings may be separate from and coupled to the connection wiring120.

The metal plate130may be made of or include, for example, iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), or another metal, or a combination of metals. The metal plate130may be positioned on the edge portion of the flexible substrate140. Further, the metal plate130may be positioned in the non-display area N. Further, the metal plate130may be included in the flexible substrate140, e.g., the metal plate130may be surrounded by one or more sides (or all sides) by the flexible substrate140.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3, the upper surface of the metal plate130may contact the barrier layer150, and the lower and side surfaces of the metal plate130may contact the flexible substrate140. That is, the metal plate130may not project from the flexible substrate140, but may be inserted into a groove portion provided on the flexible substrate140. The portions that contact the metal plate130(that is, the barrier layer150and the flexible substrate140) may be made of an insulating material.

In one embodiment, a plurality of metal plates130may be provided. The plurality of metal plates130may be positioned on opposing sides of the non-display area N. Also, the metal plates130may be arranged to be parallel to one another on the opposing sides. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2, some metal plates130may be positioned in the non-display area N adjacent to one side of the flexible display panel100, and other metal plates130may be positioned in the non-display area N adjacent to the opposing side of the flexible display panel100.FIG. 2illustrates that the plurality of metal plates130are positioned in the non-display area N adjacent to the long sides of the flexible display panel100. In other embodiments, the metal plates130may be positioned in the non-display area N adjacent to the short sides of the flexible display panel100.

The metal plates130positioned on one side of the non-display area N may be arranged in a first line L1 and may be spaced apart from each other. Similarly, the metal plates130positioned on the opposing side of the non-display area N may be arranged in a second line L2 and may be spaced apart from each other. The first line L1 and the second line L2 may be parallel to each other, but not necessarily so. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2, the metal plates130may be spaced apart from each by the same or different distances.

The metal plates130may be symmetrically arranged based on or relative to the display area D. In an exemplary embodiment, the metal plates130may be arranged to be symmetrical relative to a line that divides the display area D into two equal parts. In another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of metal plates130may be arranged to be symmetrical relative to a predetermined point or portion (e.g., center) of the display area D. Also, in alternative embodiments, the electromagnets and/or the metal plates may be arranged asymmetrically relative to display area D.

The metal plates130may be positioned on a different plane from the electromagnets110. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3, the electromagnet110is positioned on a same plane as that of the device layer160, and the metal plate130is positioned on a same plane as the flexible substrate140. That is, the electromagnets110may be arranged adjacent to one surface of the flexible display panel100, and the metal plates130may be arranged within or adjacent to an opposing surface of the flexible display panel100.

The metal plates130and electromagnets110may overlap each other. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2, the metal plates130and electromagnets110overlap each other. In other embodiments, the metal plates and electromagnets may not completely overlap. Because the barrier layer150is made of an insulating material interposed between the metal plate130and electromagnet110, the influence of magnetic force exerted by the electromagnet110on the metal plate130may be reduced.

Unlike the electromagnets110, the metal plates130may not be connected by connection wiring120. In an exemplary embodiment, the metal plates130may be surrounded by an insulating material. More specifically, flexible substrate140made of an insulating material may be positioned between the plurality of metal plates130.

The power supply portion200may be electrically connected to flexible display panel100and driving portion300. The power supply portion200may supply current to various devices in or coupled to flexible display panel100and driving portion300. Examples of the various devices include the electromagnets110and pixels180in the flexible display panel100, and an electromagnet driving portion310and a pixel driving portion320in the driving portion300. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2, the power supply portion200may be separated from the flexible display panel100, but this is not necessary. For example, the power supply portion200may be integrally formed with the flexible display panel100.

The power supply portion200may include a power portion210and a switch220. The power portion210is a source that may supply the power. The switch220may be positioned adjacent to the power portion210, and may be turned on/off to apply the power that is supplied from the power portion210to the flexible display panel and/or the driving portion300or may intercept (or cut off) the power supply.

The powers supply portion200may be electrically connected to the electromagnet110by connection wiring120. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1, the power supply portion200may be electrically connected to the electromagnet110that is arranged at one end of the first line L1 and the electromagnet110that is arranged in opposing relation to one end of the second line L2. In another exemplary embodiment, the power supply portion200may be individually connected to the electromagnets110or to groups of electromagnets.

The power supply portion200cause the electromagnets110to be magnetized, by making current flow to the electromagnets110through control of the switch220. When current flow to the electromagnets110is cut off, the electromagnets become demagnetized. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1, only one switch220may be provided between the power portion210and electromagnets110to magnetize or demagnetize the electromagnets110as a whole, depending on whether the switch220is turned on/off.

In other embodiments, the electromagnets110may be magnetized or demagnetized individually or in groups. For example, respective electromagnets110may be individually connected to the power portion210, and switches220may be installed between the power portion210and respective electromagnets110to individually magnetize/demagnetize the electromagnets110. Accordingly, only desired electromagnets110may be magnetized, and thus the power consumption may be reduced.

A variable resistor may optionally be positioned between the power supply portion200and electromagnets110. The variable resistor is a resistor having a resistance value which may be changed. By changing the resistance value of the variable resistor, the level of current supplied to the electromagnets110may be adjusted. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1, one variable resistor may be installed between the power supply portion200and the plurality of electromagnets110, to adjust the level of current supplied to the electromagnets110as a whole. In other embodiments, variable resistors that correspond to the electromagnets110may be installed to individually adjust the level of current supplied to the electromagnets110or to groups of the electromagnets. The magnetic force of the electromagnets110may be changed according to the level of current that is supplied to the electromagnets110. By adjusting the resistance value of the variable resistor, the magnetic force of the electromagnets110may be changed.

The driving portion300may be connected to the flexible display panel100and the power supply portion200. The driving portion300may be positioned to be spaced apart from the flexible display panel100, and may be attached to the flexible display panel100. The driving portion300may apply various control signals to the flexible display panel100and the power supply portion200. In an exemplary embodiment, if a user generates a control signal through a separate input device for desired control, the driving portion300may perform work that corresponds to the control signal.

The driving portion300may include an electromagnet driving portion310and a pixel driving portion320. The electromagnet driving portion310may adjust the amount of current applied to the electromagnet110by applying the control signal to the flexible display panel100and the power supply portion200. In an exemplary embodiment, the electromagnet driving portion310may permit or intercept (e.g., cut off) the current to the electromagnet110through control of switch220. In another exemplary embodiment, the electromagnet driving portion310may adjust the level of current supplied to the electromagnet110through adjustment of the resistance value of the variable resistor.

The pixel driving portion320may adjust luminance of light emitted from the pixel180through application of the control signal to the flexible display panel100and the power supply portion200.

The flexible display may further include an accommodation member that accommodates therein the flexible display panel100, the power supply portion200, and the driving portion300. The accommodation member may protect the flexible display panel100, the power supply portion200, and the driving portion300from the external environment. The accommodation member may be made of a material having flexibility, and in one embodiment the degree of flexibility may be similar to flexible substrate140.

Further, the flexible display may further include a touch panel positioned on the flexible display panel100. The touch panel is a panel which, for example, may generate various control signals through direct pressing of an image that is displayed on the display area D. The touch panel may, for example, be a touch-type panel such as a capacitance type or a resistance-type panel.

FIG. 6illustrates a state of flexible display panel100during rolling when power is supplied to one or more electromagnets110of the flexible display ofFIG. 1.FIG. 7illustrates a state of flexible display panel100when rolling is completed and power is supplied to one or more electromagnets110of the flexible display ofFIG. 1.FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII′ ofFIG. 7.FIG. 9is a perspective view illustrating a state of the flexible display panel ofFIG. 7when power supply to the electromagnet110is intercepted (or cut off).FIG. 10is a perspective view illustrating a state of the flexible display panel ofFIG. 7when a predetermined time elapses after power supply to the electromagnet110is intercepted (cut off).

Referring toFIG. 6, in order to place the flexible display in a desired form, the shape of the flexible display panel100may be changed.FIG. 6illustrates the exemplary case where the flexible display panel100is rolled. When the shape of the flexible display panel100is changed by rolling, the electromagnets110begin to be positioned adjacent to corresponding ones of the metal plates130, e.g., metal plates130may begin to face corresponding ones of the electromagnets110when the flexible display panel100is changed to a desired shape. When the shape of the flexible display panel100is changed, the shapes of other members adjacent to the flexible display panel100(for example, the accommodation member that accommodates the flexible display panel100and the like) may also be changed.

If the switch220is turned on after the shape of the flexible display panel100is changed, power is supplied to all or a portion of the electromagnets110. Further, the shape of the flexible display panel100may be changed in a state where the switch220is turned on, that is, in a state where power is supplied to the electromagnets110. When power is supplied to the electromagnets110, the electromagnets110may generate magnetic forces that pull corresponding ones of the metal plates130to fix the flexible display panel100.

Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, the flexible display may be fixed (or held) in a desired shape, for example, in a rolled state. That is, the electromagnets110, which generate magnetic forces when power is applied, may pull corresponding ones of the metal plates130to fix the flexible display panel100. In one embodiment, fixing may cause other members, adjacent to the flexible display panel100(for example, the accommodation member and the like, which accommodates the flexible display panel100) to be fixed together along with the flexible display panel100. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 8, three electromagnets110are provided to pull three metal plates130, respectively, to fix the flexible display panel100to the desired shape. In other embodiments, a different number of electromagnets and metal plates may be used. For example, at least one electromagnet110may be provided to pull at least one metal plate130to fix the flexible display panel100in a desired shape.

Referring toFIG. 9, when the power supply to the electromagnets110is cut off in a state where the flexible display panel100is rolled, the electromagnets110may not function as magnets any more. That is, the electromagnets110are unable to generate magnetic forces any further, and thus the forces between electromagnets110and respective ones of the metal plates130are eliminated. Accordingly, the electromagnets110and corresponding ones of the metal plates130may be instantaneously separated from each other due to elasticity of the flexible display panel100. The elasticity of the flexible display panel100may be, for example, a restoring force of the flexible display panel100to return to the original shape thereof.

Referring toFIG. 10, when a predetermined time elapses after the power supply to the electromagnets110is cut off, the flexible display panel100may be partially or fully restored to its original shape due to the elasticity of the flexible display panel100.

According to the flexible display and the method for fixing the flexible display, the flexible display may be easily fixed in the desired shape by the electromagnet110included in the flexible display panel100. That is, by magnetizing the electromagnet110through application of power to the electromagnet110, the flexible display may be easily fixed in the desired shape, and by simply turning off or reducing the power supply to the electromagnet110, the flexible display may be returned to its original shape.

One or more of the aforementioned embodiments may also alleviate the need for a separate fixing member (e.g., clip or bolt in the accommodation member surrounding flexible display panel) to fix the panel in the desired state or shape. Accordingly, a troublesome assembling process (such as fastening of the clip or bolt) is not required, and thus the flexible display may be simply fixed in the desired shape. Further, since the flexible display panel100includes one or more electromagnets110, the size, weight, and cost of manufacturing the flexible display may be reduced. Also, manufacturing time may be reduced because there is no need to install a separate fixing member.

FIG. 11illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a flexible display101. Referring toFIG. 11, at least one of an electromagnet111or a metal plate131exposed to an external surface of flexible display panel101. In one embodiment, at least one of the electromagnet111or the metal plate131may be visually seen along an external surface of the display. In an exemplary embodiment, an upper end portion of the electromagnet111may be surrounded by an encapsulation layer171. That is, the edge portion of the encapsulation layer171may be partially patterned to expose the electromagnet111. Further, the metal plate131may be inserted to penetrate the edge portion of a flexible substrate141. That is, the edge portion of the flexible substrate141may include at least one hole into which the metal plate131may be inserted.

According to this embodiment, at least one of the electromagnet111or the metal plate131is exposed to the outside of the flexible display panel101. Thus, when the flexible display is changed to a desired shape, the bonding force between the electromagnet111and the corresponding metal plate131may be increased.

FIG. 12illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a flexible display102. Referring toFIG. 12, in this embodiment, the metal plate131is omitted from the flexible display panel102. That is, the flexible display may be fixed in the desired shape only by the electromagnet112.

More specifically, in the case where power is applied to electromagnet112, two or more electromagnets112may be made to pull each other, for example, by appropriately adjusting the position of the polarities generated by the electromagnets112. That is, by appropriately adjusting the application direction of current or turning direction of the coils of the electromagnets, the positions of the electromagnets112may be adjusted so that the north (N) magnetic pole of one electromagnet is attracted to the south (S) magnetic pole of another electromagnet to fixed the desired shape.

Additionally, or alternatively, the flexible substrate142may include a metal material. This metal material may be pulled by the electromagnets112that generate magnetic force. In an exemplary embodiment, flexible substrate142may be made of metal foil and thus may have metallic properties. Such a foil may be pulled by one or more electromagnets112that generate magnetic force to fix the display in a desired shape. Thus, in this embodiment, the flexible substrate142may effectively serve as metal plate130.

In these embodiments, metal plates130are omitted and, thus, manufacturing cost of the flexible display, and processing costs and manufacturing time for not having to provide multiple metal plate130, may be reduced. Further, the weight of the flexible display may also be reduced. Further, since it is not required to process the flexible substrate142in order to arrange the metal plates130, the manufacturing cost and time of the flexible substrate142may be reduced.

FIG. 13illustrates another embodiment of a flexible display103. Referring toFIG. 13, a plurality of electromagnets113and a plurality of metal plates133may be positioned on a same plane. In an exemplary embodiment, the electromagnets113and metal plates133may be positioned on the same plane as the second device layer160b. In another exemplary embodiment, the electromagnets113and metal plates133may be positioned on the same plane as the flexible substrate140.

According to this embodiment, electromagnets113may be positioned on one side of the non-display area N and metal plates133may be positioned on the opposing side of the non-display area N.

Further, a plurality of electromagnets113and metal plates133may be provided. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 13, the electromagnets113may be positioned in the non-display area N adjacent to the one side of the flexible display panel103, and the metal plates133may be positioned in the non-display area N that is adjacent to the opposing side of the flexible display panel103.

FIG. 13illustrates that the electromagnets113and metal plates133are positioned in the non-display areas N adjacent to the short sides of the flexible display panel103. In other embodiments, the electromagnets113and metal plates133may be positioned in the non-display areas N adjacent to the long sides of the flexible display panel103.

The electromagnets113positioned on one side of the non-display area N may be arranged in a first line L1′ and may be spaced apart from each other. The metal plates133positioned on the other side of the non-display area N may be arranged in a second line L2′ and may be spaced apart from each other. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 13, the first line L1′ and the second line L2′ may extend in the y-direction. Alternatively, the first and second lines L1′ and L2′ may extend in the x-direction.

Also, the first line L1′ and the second line L2′ may be parallel to each other. In another example, the first line L1′ may be parallel to a boundary line between the display area D adjacent to one side of the non-display area N and the non-display area N. The second line L2′ may be parallel to a boundary line between the display area D adjacent to the other side of the non-display area N and the non-display area N. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 13, the spacing distances for the electromagnets113and metal plates133may be the same or different.

The electromagnets113and metal plates133may be symmetrically arranged based on or relative to display area D. In an exemplary embodiment, the electromagnets113and metal plates133may be arranged to be symmetrical relative to a line that divides the display area D into two equal parts. In another exemplary embodiment, the electromagnets113and metal plates133may be arranged to be symmetrical relative to a predetermined point or position (e.g., center) of the display area D.

The electromagnets113may be connected to each other through connection wiring123. Alternatively, the metal plates133may not be connected to each other; that is, the metal plates133may be surrounded by insulating materials, respectively.

A power supply portion203may include a power portion213and a switch223, and may be electrically connected to electromagnets113through the connection wiring123. Further, the power supply portion203may not be electrically connected to the metal plates133.

FIG. 14illustrates flexible display panel103in a state of being folded and where power is supplied to an electromagnet113of the flexible display ofFIG. 13. FIG.15illustrates flexible display panel103in a completely folded state and where power is supplied to an electromagnet113.FIG. 16is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI′ ofFIG. 15.

Referring toFIG. 14, in order to fix the flexible display in a desired form, the shape of the flexible display panel103may be changed.FIG. 14illustrates that the example of the flexible display panel103being folded. In an exemplary embodiment, when the shape of the flexible display panel103is changed, electromagnets113are positioned adjacent to corresponding ones of the metal plates133. When the switch223is turned on after the shape of the flexible display panel103is changed, power is supplied to the electromagnet113. The shape of the flexible display panel103may be changed in a state where the switch223is turned on; that is, in a state where the power is supplied to the electromagnet113.

Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16, the flexible display may be fixed in a desired shape, for example, in a folded state. That is, electromagnet113s, which generate magnetic forces due to the supplied power, may pull corresponding ones of the metal plates133to fix the flexible display panel103in the folded state. In the embodiment illustrated, three electromagnets113are provided to pull three respective metal plates133to fix the flexible display panel103in the folded state. In one embodiment, at least one electromagnet113may be provided to pull at least one metal plate133to fix the flexible display panel103.

When the power supply to electromagnets113is cut off, the flexible display panel103may be returned to its original shape after a predetermined time elapses. That is, the flexible display may be in the state ofFIG. 10when the predetermined time elapses, after power supply to the electromagnets113is cut off in the state ofFIG. 15.

By way of summation and review, flat panel displays have a number of drawbacks. For example, flat display devices use rigid substrates, which are capable of enduring high heat during manufacturing processes. However, these substrates add to the weight and thickness of the devices and also are not flexible.

In accordance with the foregoing embodiments, a sensor may optionally be provided to determine when the flexible display is being manipulated from the changed state back to the original state. The sensor may send a signal to cause the power to the electromagnets to be cut off, thereby assisting in returning the flexible display to the original state. Also, in any of the aforementioned embodiments, only one electromagnet and one metal plate or material may be provided to fix the flexible display in a changed state.

Also, in the aforementioned example embodiments, the changed state was discussed to be a rolled state or folded state. In other embodiments, the changed state may be any other shape where different portions of the flexible display are brought into contact with one another and held based on forces from one or more electromagnets.

Also, in the aforementioned example embodiments, the entire display area D is obscured when in the changed state. However, in alternative embodiments, a portion of the display area may be uncovered and thus viewable by a user when the flexible display is in the changed state. Also, in the folded embodiments, the flexible display is shown to have only one fold. In other embodiments, the flexible display may have multiple folds, where one edge folds over the other and is held by forces from the electromagnets. As described above, according to the foregoing embodiments, a flexible display is provided which may be stably fixed in a changed state.