Display device

The present disclosure relates to a display device. The display device may include a display panel, a supporting portion, a hinge part, a joint part, and a magnet unit. The supporting portion is disposed below the display panel and includes a plurality of supporting bars which are arranged in a first direction and are extended in a second direction crossing the first direction. The hinge part is disposed below the supporting portion and is overlapped with the supporting bars to define a folding axis extending in the second direction. The joint part is disposed between the hinge part and the supporting bars. The joint part including a plurality of joints, which are arranged in the first direction, are extended in the second direction, and are coupled to rotate with respect to each other. The magnet unit is disposed between the hinge part and the joints.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0158505, filed on Dec. 2, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a display device, and in particular, to a display device preventing deformation of a folding region of a display panel.

Display devices are used in mobile phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation systems, and televisions. Information may be conveyed through images displayed to a user on a display device. The size of the mobile phones and other display devices increases with the demand for larger displays.

Foldable, bendable, or rollable display devices can provide a large display in a small package. The folding feature allows the user to reduce the size of the device for easy storage when not in use.

However, when the device is unfolded, the folding area may bend slightly, creating a crease in the phone when in use. The crease can be unsightly and may be effect usability of the mobile phone. Therefore, there is a need in the art to reduce the deformation of the display area that results from folding and unfolding a display device.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the inventive concept provides a display device configured to prevent a folding region of a display panel from being deformed.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, a display device may include a display panel; a supporting portion disposed below the display panel, the supporting portion comprising a plurality of supporting bars which are arranged in a first direction and are extended in a second direction crossing the first direction; a hinge part disposed below the supporting portion, the hinge part overlapping the supporting bars to define a folding axis extending in the second direction; a joint part disposed between the hinge part and the supporting bars, the joint part comprising a plurality of joints arranged in the first direction, extended in the second direction, and coupled to rotate with respect to each other; and a magnet unit disposed between the hinge part and the joints.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, a display device may include a display panel; a supporting portion disposed below the display panel, the supporting portion including a plurality of supporting bars, which are arranged in a first direction and are extended in a second direction crossing the first direction; a hinge part disposed below the supporting portion, wherein the hinge part overlaps the supporting bars to define a folding axis extending in the second direction; a joint part disposed between the hinge part and the supporting portion; and a plurality of magnet units disposed between the hinge part and the joint part, wherein the joint part comprises: a plurality of joints disposed between the hinge part and the supporting bars, wherein the joints are arranged in the first direction and are extended in the second direction; and a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion connected to the hinge part, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are spaced apart from each other in the first direction with the joints interposed therebetween, wherein the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and two portions of the joints that are opposite to each other in the second direction are coupled to rotate with respect to each other.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, a display device is described. The display device may include a flexible display panel configured to support a folded state and an unfolded state; a supporting portion disposed below the flexible display panel, wherein the supporting portion comprises a magnetic material; a hinge part disposed below the supporting portion and configured to determine a folding axis of the folded state; and one or more magnet units disposed between the hinge part and the supporting portion, wherein the one or more magnet units are configured to influence a deformation of the flexible display panel by attracting the magnetic material of the supporting portion when the flexible display panel is in the unfolded state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a display device and, more specifically, to a foldable, bendable, or rollable display device. The use of a flexible display device allows for increased portability and user convenience due to the user being able to change the shape of the device. A folding display device, which is an example of a flexible display device, can be folded along a folding axis extending in a specific direction. However, the folding display device may suffer from deformation of a folding region, which may cause damage to the display device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a plurality of magnets to be arranged under a folding area of the display panel. The magnets may influence deformation of the display area of the folding area and maintain a flat display surface when unfolded. As a result, deformation of the folding area may be prevented.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a display panel, a supporting portion, a hinge part, a joint part, and one or more magnet units. The supporting portion may be disposed below the display panel and includes a plurality of supporting bars which are arranged in a first direction and are extended in a second direction crossing the first direction. The hinge part may be disposed below the supporting portion and is overlapped with the supporting bars to define a folding axis extending in the second direction. The joint part may be disposed between the hinge part and the supporting bars. The joint part may include a plurality of joints arranged in the first direction and extended in s second direction. The joints may be coupled to move or rotate with respect to each other. The magnet unit may be disposed between the hinge part and the joints.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments of the inventive concepts belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly-used dictionaries, should be interpreted as with a meaning consistent with the term's meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.FIG. 2is a perspective view illustrating a folded state of the display device ofFIG. 1.

Referring toFIG. 1, a display device DD, according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, may have a rectangular shape whose long sides are extended in a first direction DR1and whose short sides are extended in a second direction DR2crossing the first direction DR1. However, the inventive concept is not limited to this example, and in an embodiment, the display device DD may have various shapes such as circular and polygonal shapes. The display device DD may be a flexible display device.

Hereinafter, a direction substantially perpendicular to both of the first and second directions DR1and DR2will be referred to as a third direction DR3. Furthermore, in the present specification, the expression “when viewed in a plan view” may mean that a relevant structure is seen in the third direction DR3.

The display device DD may include a first non-folding region NFA1, a second non-folding region NFA2, and a folding region FA disposed between the first non-folding region NFA1and the second non-folding region NFA2. The first non-folding region NFA1, the second non-folding region NFA2, and the folding region FA may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

Although one folding region FA and two non-folding regions NFA1and NFA2are exemplarily illustrated, the numbers of the folding region FA and the non-folding regions NFA1and NFA2are not limited thereto. For example, the display device DD may include three or more non-folding regions and a plurality of folding regions disposed between the non-folding regions.

A front surface of the display device DD may be defined as a display surface DS for displaying an image and may be a flat surface parallel to both of the first and second directions DR1and DR2. Images IM generated by the display device DD may be provided to a user through the display surface DS.

The display surface DS may include a display region DA and a non-display region NDA around the display region DA. The display region DA may be used to display an image, whereas the non-display region NDA may not be used to display an image. The non-display region NDA may be disposed to enclose the display region DA. Additionally, the non-display region NDA may define an edge of the display device DD, which is printed with a specific color.

Referring toFIG. 2, the display device DD may be a foldable display device, which can be folded and unfolded. For example, the folding region FA may be bent along a folding axis FX parallel to the second direction DR2when the display device DD is folded. The folding axis FX may be defined as a short axis that may be parallel to the short side of the display device DD.

The display device DD may be folded in an out-folding manner that the display surface DS is exposed to the outside. Therefore, the display surface of the first non-folding region NFA1and the display surface of the second non-folding region NFA2may be exposed to the outside and may be opposite to each other when the display device DD is folded.

FIG. 3is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.FIG. 4is a perspective view illustrating a folded structure of the display device ofFIG. 3.

Except for a difference in a folding manner, a display device DD_1ofFIG. 3may have substantially the same features as the display device DD ofFIG. 1. Therefore, the folding operation of the display device DD_1will be mainly described below.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 4, the display device DD_1may include a first non-folding region NFA1′, a second non-folding region NFA2′, and a folding region FA′. The first non-folding region NFA1′, the second non-folding region NFA2′, and the folding region FA′ may be disposed between the first non-folding region NFA1′ and the second non-folding region NFA2′. The first non-folding region NFA1′, the second non-folding region NFA2′, and the folding region FA′ may be arranged in the second direction DR2.

The folding region FA′ may be bent along the folding axis FX′ parallel to the first direction DR1when the display device DD_1is folded. The folding axis FX′ may be defined as a long axis that may be parallel to the long side of the display device DD_1. The display device DD ofFIG. 1may be folded along the short axis, while the display device DD_1ofFIG. 3may be folded along the long axis. The display device DD_1may be folded in an out-folding manner that the display surface DS is exposed to the outside.

Hereinafter, structures of the display device DD, which is folded along the short axis, will be described, but the inventive concept is not limited to this example. For example, various structures to be described below can be modified to realize the display device DD_1folded along the long axis, without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept.

FIG. 5is an exploded perspective view of the display device ofFIG. 1.FIG. 6is an enlarged perspective view of hinge and joint parts ofFIG. 5.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, the display device DD may include a display panel DP, a supporting portion SP, a hinge part HIG, a joint part JP, a plurality of magnet units MTU. The supporting portion SP may be disposed below the display panel DP. The hinge part HIG may be disposed below the supporting portion SP. The joint part JP may be disposed between the hinge part HIG and the supporting portion SP. The plurality of magnet units MTU may be disposed on the hinge part HIG.

The display panel DP may include the first non-folding region NFA1, the second non-folding region NFA2, and the folding region FA between the first non-folding region NFA1and the second non-folding region NFA2.

The display panel DP may be a flexible display panel. The display panel DP may be a light-emitting type display panel, but the inventive concept is not limited to this example. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. A light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may be formed of or include an organic luminescent material. A light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and/or quantum rods. For the sake of simplicity, the description that follows will refer to an example in which the display panel DP is the organic light-emitting display panel.

The supporting portion SP may be disposed below the display panel DP to support the display panel DP. The supporting portion SP may be connected to the display panel DP. For example, the supporting portion SP may be attached to a rear surface of the display panel DP, which is opposite to a front surface of the display panel DP. An adhesive layer may be disposed between the supporting portion SP and the display panel DP to attach the supporting portion SP to the display panel DP. The adhesive layer may include at least one of pressure sensitive adhesives, but the inventive concept is not limited to this example. For example, various adhesive agents may be used as the adhesive layer.

The supporting portion SP may be connected to the hinge part HIG. The supporting portion SP may be formed of or include a metallic material that may be attracted by a magnet. For example, the supporting portion SP may include stainless steel (SUS 430), which is attracted by a magnet due to iron contained therein. The supporting portion SP may have a thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm.

The supporting portion SP may include a first supporting portion SP1, a second supporting portion SP2, and a plurality of supporting bars SB, which are disposed between the first supporting portion SP1and the second supporting portion SP2and are overlapped with the folding region FA. The first supporting portion SP1, the second supporting portion SP2, and the supporting bars SB may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

The first supporting portion SP1may be disposed below the first non-folding region NFA1. The second supporting portion SP2may be disposed below the second non-folding region NFA2. The supporting bars SB may be disposed below the folding region FA. The supporting bars SB may be arranged in the first direction DR1and may be extended in the second direction DR2.

The hinge part HIG may define the folding axis FX extending in the second direction DR2. The folding axis FX may be overlapped with the folding region FA and the supporting bars SB when viewed in a plan view. The hinge part HIG may be folded along the folding axis FX. The supporting portion SP and the display panel DP, which are respectively connected to the hinge part HIG and the supporting portion SP, may also be folded, as the hinge part HIG is folded.

The hinge part HIG may include a first hinge part HIG1, a second hinge part HIG2, and a third hinge part HIG3. The first hinge part HIG1may be disposed below the first supporting portion SP1. The second and third hinge parts HIG2and HIG3may be disposed below the second supporting portion SP2. A portion of the second hinge part HIG2adjacent to the first hinge part HIG1may be overlapped with the folding region FA when viewed in a plan view.

The second hinge part HIG2may be coupled to rotate with respect to the first hinge part HIG1, thereby defining the folding axis FX in conjunction with the first hinge part HIG1. Opposite end portions of the first and second hinge parts HIG1and HIG2may be coupled to rotate with respect to each other, thereby defining the folding axis FX. The folding axis FX may be adjacent to the end portions of the first and second hinge parts HIG1and HIG2.

The third hinge part HIG3may be coupled to the second hinge part HIG2at a position spaced apart from the first hinge part HIG1. The third hinge part HIG3may be coupled to the second hinge part HIG2to allow for a sliding motion in the first direction DR1. This will be described in more detail below.

The first supporting portion SP1may be connected to the first hinge part HIG1and the second supporting portion SP2may be connected to the third hinge part HIG3. Although not shown, the first and second supporting portions SP1and SP2may be connected to the first and third hinge parts HIG1and HIG3by, for example, screws. However, the inventive concept is not limited to this example, and the first and second supporting portions SP1and SP2may be connected to the first and third hinge parts HIG1and HIG3, respectively, by an adhesive agent.

The joint part JP may be disposed between the hinge part HIG and the supporting portion SP. The joint part JP may be overlapped with the folding region FA and may be disposed between the hinge part HIG and the supporting bars SB. The joint part JP may include a plurality of first connecting portions CP1, a plurality of second connecting portions CP2, and a plurality of joints JT disposed between the first connecting portions CP1and the second connecting portions CP2.

The first connecting portions CP1and the second connecting portions CP2may be extended in the first direction DR1. The first connecting portions CP1may be connected to the first hinge part HIG1, and the second connecting portions CP2may be connected to the third hinge part HIG3.

The first connecting portions CP1may be respectively connected to two opposite portions of the first hinge part HIG1. The two opposite portions of the first hinge part HIG1are adjacent to an end portion of the first hinge part HIG1in the first direction DR1and are spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. For example, the first connecting portions CP1may be connected to the first hinge part HIG1by screws, which are provided in first holes H1defined in the first connecting portions CP1.

The second connecting portions CP2may be respectively connected to two opposite portions of the second hinge part HIG2. The two opposite portions of the second hinge part HIG2are adjacent to an end portion of the second hinge part HIG2in the first direction DR1and are spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. For example, the second connecting portions CP2may be connected to the second hinge part HIG2by screws, which are provided in second holes H2defined in the second connecting portions CP2.

The joints JT may be disposed between the hinge part HIG and the supporting bars SB. In detail, the joints JT may be overlapped with the folding region FA and may be disposed between the second hinge part HIG2and the supporting bars SB.

The joints JT may be arranged in the first direction DR1and may be extended in the second direction DR2. The joints JT may be coupled to rotate with respect to each other. The first and second connecting portions CP1and CP2may be coupled to rotate with respect to the joints JT.

The magnet units MTU may be disposed between the hinge part HIG and the joints JT. The magnet units MTU may be disposed on the second hinge part HIG2. The magnet units MTU may be arranged in the second direction DR2.

FIG. 7is a diagram schematically illustrating a sectional structure of the display panel ofFIG. 5.

Referring toFIG. 7, the display device DD may further include an input-sensing portion ISP, a window WIN, and an adhesive layer OCA. The input-sensing portion ISP may be disposed on the display panel DP. The window WIN may be disposed on the input-sensing portion ISP. The adhesive layer OCA may be disposed between the input-sensing portion ISP and the window WIN.

The display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a pixel layer PXL disposed on the substrate SUB, a thin encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the substrate SUB to cover the pixel layer PXL, and a protection substrate PS disposed below the substrate SUB. The substrate SUB may be a transparent substrate and may include a flexible plastic substrate. For example, the substrate SUB may include polyimide (PI).

The substrate SUB may include the display region DA and the non-display region NDA near the display region DA, similar to the display surface DS of the display device DD. The pixel layer PXL may be disposed on the display region DA. The pixel layer PXL may include a plurality of pixels, each of which includes a light-emitting device.

The thin encapsulation layer TFE may include at least two inorganic layers and an organic layer disposed between the inorganic layers. The inorganic layers may include an inorganic material and may protect the pixel layer PXL from moisture or oxygen. The organic layer may include an organic material and may protect the pixel layer PXL from a contamination material such as dust particles.

The protection substrate PS may protect a bottom portion of the substrate SUB. The protection substrate PS may include a flexible plastic substrate. For example, the protection substrate PS may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

The input-sensing portion ISP may sense an external input (e.g., a user's hand, a touch pen, or the like) and may generate an input signal from the sensed external input. The image-sensing portion ISP may then provide the input signal to the display panel DP. The input-sensing portion ISP may include a plurality of sensor units (not shown), which are used to sense the external input. The sensor units may sense the external input in a capacitive manner. The display panel DP may receive the input signal from the input-sensing portion ISP and may generate an image corresponding to the input signal.

The input-sensing portion ISP may be fabricated directly on the thin encapsulation layer TFE. However, the inventive concept is not limited to this example, and the input-sensing portion ISP may be fabricated as a separate panel and then may be attached to the top surface of the display panel DP by an adhesive agent.

The window WIN may protect the display panel DP and the input-sensing portion ISP from an external scratch and an external impact. The window WIN may be attached to the input-sensing portion ISP by using the adhesive layer OCA. The adhesive agent OCA may include an optical clear adhesive. An image produced by the display panel DP may be provided to a user through the window WIN.

FIG. 8is a plan view illustrating the display panel ofFIG. 7.

Referring toFIG. 8, the display device DD may include the display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV.

The display panel DP may have a rectangular shape, where display panel DP has long sides that extend in the first direction DR1and has short sides that extend in the second direction DR2. The display panel DP may include the display region DA and the non-display region NDA surrounding the display region DA.

The display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of scan lines SL1-SLm, a plurality of data lines DL1-DLn, and a plurality of emission lines EL1-ELm, where m and n are natural numbers. The pixels PX may be disposed in the display region DA and may be connected to the scan lines SL1-SLm, the data lines DL1-DLn, and the emission lines EL1-ELm.

The scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV may be disposed in the non-display region NDA. The scan driver SDV and the emission driver EDV may be disposed adjacent to the long sides, respectively, of the display panel DP.

The data driver DDV may be manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit chip and may be disposed adjacent to one of the short sides of the display panel DP. However, the inventive concept is not limited to this example, and in an embodiment, the data driver DDV may be mounted on a flexible circuit board (not shown) and may be connected to the display panel DP through the flexible circuit board.

The scan lines SL1-SLm may be extended in the second direction DR2and may be connected to the scan driver SDV. The data lines DL1-DLn may be extended in the first direction DR1and may be connected to the data driver DDV. The emission lines EL1-ELm may be extended in the second direction DR2and may be connected to the emission driver EDV.

The scan driver SDV may produce a plurality of scan signals, and the scan signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the scan lines SL1-SLm. The scan signals may be sequentially applied to the pixels PX. The data driver DDV may produce a plurality of data voltages, and the data voltages may be applied to the pixels PX through the data lines DL1-DLn. The emission driver EDV may produce a plurality of emission signals, and the emission signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the emission lines EL1-ELm.

Although not shown, the display device DD may further include a timing controller (not shown) for controlling operations of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV.

The pixels PX may receive the data voltages in response to the scan signals. The pixels PX may emit light, which has a brightness level corresponding to the data voltage and constitutes an image, in response to the emission signals. The emission signals may control a light-emitting time of the pixel PX.

FIG. 9is a diagram schematically illustrating a sectional structure of a pixel ofFIG. 8.

Referring toFIG. 9, the pixel PX may include an organic light-emitting device OLED and a transistor TR connected to the organic light-emitting device OLED. The organic light-emitting device OLED may include a first electrode E1, a second electrode E2, and an organic emission layer OEL disposed between the first electrode E1and the second electrode E2. The first electrode E1may be an anode electrode, and the second electrode E2may be a cathode electrode.

The pixel PX may be divided into a pixel region PA and a non-pixel region NPA around the pixel region PA. The organic light-emitting device OLED may be disposed in the pixel region PA, and the transistor TR may be disposed in the non-pixel region NPA. The transistor TR and the organic light-emitting device OLED may be disposed on the substrate SUB. A buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the substrate SUB, and in an embodiment, the buffer layer BFL may be formed of or include at least one of inorganic materials.

A semiconductor layer SM of the transistor TR may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor layer SM may be formed of or include at least one of inorganic semiconductor materials, such as amorphous or polycrystalline silicon, or organic semiconductor materials. In an embodiment, the semiconductor layer SM may be formed of or include at least one of oxide semiconductor materials. Although not shown inFIG. 9, the semiconductor layer SM may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region between the source region and the drain region.

A first insulating layer INS1may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The first insulating layer INS1may be used to cover the semiconductor layer SM and may include an inorganic material. A gate electrode GE of the transistor TR may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1and may be overlapped with the semiconductor layer SM. The gate electrode GE may be disposed to be overlapped with the channel region of the semiconductor layer SM.

A second insulating layer INS2may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1to cover the gate electrode GE. The second insulating layer INS2may include an organic material and/or an inorganic material.

A source electrode SE and a drain electrode DE of the transistor TR may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2to be spaced apart from each other. The source electrode SE may be connected to the source region of the semiconductor layer SM through a first contact hole CH1. The first contact hole CH1is defined in the first insulating layer INS1and the second insulating layer INS2. The drain electrode DE may be connected to the drain region of the semiconductor layer SM through a second contact hole CH2, which is defined in the first insulating layer INS1and the second insulating layer INS2.

A third insulating layer INS3may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2to cover the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR. The third insulating layer INS3may be defined as a planarization layer providing a flat top surface and may include an organic material.

The first electrode E1may be disposed on the third insulating layer INS3. The first electrode E1may be connected to the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR through a third contact hole CH3defined in the third insulating layer INS3.

A pixel definition layer PDL may be disposed on the first electrode E1and the third insulating layer INS3to expose a specific portion of the first electrode E1. An opening PX_OP, which exposes the specific portion of the first electrode E1, may be defined in the pixel definition layer PDL.

The organic emission layer OEL may be disposed in the opening PX_OP and on the first electrode E1. The organic emission layer OEL may generate one of red, green, and blue lights. However, the inventive concept is not limited to this example, and the organic emission layer OEL may generate white light through a combination of organic materials capable of generating red, green, and blue lights.

The second electrode E2may be disposed on the pixel definition layer PDL and the organic emission layer OEL. The thin encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the organic light-emitting device OLED to cover the pixel PX. A layer between the substrate SUB and the thin encapsulation layer TFE may be defined as the pixel layer PXL.

A first voltage may be applied to the first electrode E1, and a second voltage may be applied to the second electrode E2. The second voltage has a voltage level lower than that of the first voltage. In the case where holes and electrons are injected into the organic emission layer OEL, the holes and electrons may be recombined to each other to produce excitons. Light may be emitted from the organic light-emitting device OLED when the excitons transition to a ground state. The organic light-emitting device OLED may emit red, green, or blue light, which constitutes a part of an image provided to a user, using a current flowing therethrough.

FIG. 10is an exploded perspective view of the hinge part ofFIG. 6.FIG. 11is an enlarged view illustrating some protruding portions ofFIG. 10.

The structure of the joint part JP shown inFIG. 6will be described in the description that follows.

Referring toFIG. 10, the second hinge part HIG2may be disposed between the first hinge part HIG1and the third hinge part HIG3. A side portion OS1of the first hinge part HIG1and a side portion OS2of the second hinge part HIG2facing each other may be coupled to each other to rotate about the folding axis FX.

For example, the hinge part HIG may include a plurality of first rotary coupling portions RCP1, which protrudes from the side portion OS1of the first hinge part HIG1toward the second hinge part HIG2. The first rotary coupling portions RCP1may have a cylindrical shape that may be elongated in the second direction DR2. The hinge part HIG may include a second rotary coupling portion RCP2, which protrudes from the side portion OS2of the second hinge part HIG2toward the first hinge part HIG1. The second rotary coupling portion RCP2may have a cylindrical shape that may be elongated in the second direction DR2.

The second rotary coupling portion RCP2may be disposed between the first rotary coupling portions RCP1. The second rotary coupling portion RCP2may be coupled to the first rotary coupling portions RCP1to execute a rotary motion, along with the first rotary coupling portions RCP1. For example, a cylindrical hole extending in the second direction DR2may be defined in each of the first and second rotary coupling portions RCP1and RCP2, respectively, and a cylindrical pin (not shown) extending in the second direction DR2may be inserted in the holes.

In an embodiment, the first hinge part HIG1and the second hinge part HIG2may be coupled to each other such that the first hinge part HIG1and the second hinge part HIG2can execute a rotary motion with respect to each other through the first and second rotary coupling portions RCP1and RCP2. Although two first rotary coupling portions RCP1and one second rotary coupling portion RCP2are exemplarily illustrated, the numbers of the first and second rotary coupling portions RCP1and RCP2are not limited thereto.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 10, the first hinge part HIG1may have a flat surface defined by the first and second directions DR1and DR2. First grooves G1may be defined in two portions of the first hinge part HIG1, which are adjacent to the side portion OS1of the first hinge part HIG1and are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2. The first connecting portions CP1may be disposed in the first grooves G1and may be connected to the first hinge part HIG1.

A plurality of third holes H3may be defined in a portion of the first hinge part HIG1, in which the first grooves G1are defined. The first connecting portions CP1may be connected to the first hinge part HIG1by screws, which are provided in the first holes H1and the third holes H3defined in the first connecting portions CP1and the first hinge part HIG1, respectively.

The second hinge part HIG2may have a flat surface defined by the first and second directions DR1and DR2. The magnet units MTU may be arranged in the second direction DR2and may be disposed on a region of the second hinge part HIG2, which is adjacent to the side portion OS2of the second hinge part HIG2. Recess regions RES may be defined in the hinge part HIG. In detail, the recess regions RES may be defined in the top surface of the second hinge part HIG2. The magnet units MTU may be provided in the recess regions RES.

The hinge part HIG may include a plurality of protruding portions PRT, which protrude from the top surface of the second hinge part HIG2, which is adjacent to the side portion OS2of the second hinge part HIG2, in an upward direction. The protruding portions PRT may be arranged in the second direction DR2. Guide grooves GG may be defined between the protruding portions PRT. The guide grooves GG may be extended in the first direction DR1. The supporting bars SB and the joints JT may be disposed on the protruding portions PRT.

Referring toFIG. 11, the magnet units MTU may be disposed on the protruding portions PRT. In detail, the recess regions RES may be defined on top surfaces of the protruding portions PRT, respectively, and the magnet units MTU may be disposed in the recess regions RES. The magnet units MTU may be more stably fixed to the protruding portions PRT since the magnet units MTU are disposed in the recess regions RES.

Sub-guide grooves SGG may be defined in lower side surfaces of the protruding portions PRT facing each other in the second direction DR2. The sub-guide grooves SGG may be extended in the first direction DR1.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 10, the hinge part HIG may include first and second extended portions EX1and EX2, which are extended from the second hinge part HIG2, and a plurality of elastic portions ELP, which are extended in the first direction DR1.

The first extended portion EX1may be extended from a side portion of the second hinge part HIG2, which is opposite to the side portion OS2of the second hinge part HIG2, in an upward direction. The second extended portion EX2may be extended from a top portion of the first extended portion EX1toward the outside of the second hinge part HIG2(e.g., in the first direction DR1). The elastic portions ELP may be disposed at ends of the second extended portion EX2.

Each of two portions of the second hinge part HIG2, which are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2, may include a sidewall portion SW and a sliding portion SLP. The sidewall portions SW and the sliding portions SLP may be adjacent to the side portion OS2of the second hinge part HIG2.

The sidewall portions SW may be extended in the third direction DR3. The sliding portions SLP may be extended from top portions of the sidewall portions SW toward an inner region of the second hinge part HIG2(i.e., in the second direction DR2). The sliding portions SLP may be adjacent to the second connecting portions CP2when the joint part JP is connected to the hinge part HIG.

The third hinge part HIG3may have a flat surface defined by the first and second directions DR1and DR2. Second grooves G2may be defined in two portions of the third hinge part HIG3, which are adjacent to a side portion of the third hinge part HIG3facing the first hinge part HIG1and are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2.

The hinge part HIG may include a plurality of third extended portions EX3, which are extended from two portions of the third hinge part HIG3opposite to each other in the second direction DR2toward the first hinge part HIG1(i.e., in the first direction DR1). The third extended portions EX3may be extended from the portions of the third hinge part HIG3, in which the second grooves G2are defined.

The second connecting portions CP2may be disposed on the second grooves G2, and the third extended portions EX3and may be connected to the third hinge part HIG3. A plurality of fourth holes H4may be defined in the portion of the second grooves G2and in the third extended portions EX3. The second grooves G2are defined in the third hinge part HIG3. The second connecting portions CP2may be connected to the third hinge part HIG3by screws, which are provided in the second holes H2and the fourth holes H4.

FIG. 12is an exploded perspective view of the joint part ofFIG. 6.FIG. 13is a side view of one of joints ofFIG. 12, viewed in a second direction.FIG. 14is a perspective view illustrating a first joint protruding portion ofFIG. 13.FIG. 15is a perspective view illustrating a second joint protruding portion ofFIG. 13.

Referring toFIG. 12, both sides of the joints JT opposite to each other in the second direction DR2may be coupled to rotate with respect to each other. Each of the joints JT may include a joint bar JTB, a plurality of third connecting portions CP3, and a plurality of first and second joint protruding portions JPT1and JPT2.

The joint bars JTB may be extended in the second direction DR2and may be arranged in the first direction DR1. The third connecting portions CP3may be disposed on two portions of the joint bars JTB, which are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2. The third connecting portions CP3may be disposed between the first connecting portions CP1and the second connecting portions CP2, in the first direction DR1.

Two portions of the joints JT, which are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2, may be coupled to rotate with respect to each other. For example, the third connecting portions CP3may be disposed near the two portions of the joint bars JTB, and the third connecting portions CP3may be coupled to rotate with respect to each other around the rotating axes RX. As a result of the rotation of the third connecting portions CP3, the joint bars JTB may be moved to rotate with respect to each other around the rotating axes RX.

Each of the third connecting portions CP3may include the first protruding portion PT1and two second protruding portions PT2. The first protruding portion PT1protrudes from one of its two portions opposite to each other in the first direction DR1. The two second protruding portions PT2protrude from the other. The first protruding portion PT1of a h-th third connecting portion CP3may be disposed between the second protruding portions PT2of a (h+1)-th third connecting portion CP3, where h is a natural number.

The first protruding portion PT1of the h-th third connecting portion CP3and the second protruding portions PT2of the (h+1)-th third connecting portion CP3may be coupled to rotate with respect to each other around the rotating axis RX. For example, a coupling pin (not shown), which is extended in the second direction DR2and has a cylindrical shape, may be inserted in the first protruding portion PT1of the h-th third connecting portion CP3and the second protruding portions PT2of the (h+1)-th third connecting portion CP3.

The first connecting portion CP1, the second connecting portion CP2, and two portions of the joints JT may be coupled to rotate with respect to each other. The two portions of the joints JT are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2. For example, ones of the joints JT adjacent to the first and second connecting portions CP1and CP2may be coupled to rotate with respect to the first and second connecting portions CP1and CP2. The third connecting portions CP3adjacent to the first and second connecting portions CP1and CP2may be coupled to rotate with respect to the first and second connecting portions CP1and CP2about the rotating axes RX.

In detail, a third protruding portion PT3protrudes from one portion of each of the first connecting portions CP1. The third protruding portion PT3may be disposed between the second protruding portions PT2of a corresponding one of the third connecting portions CP3adjacent thereto. The third protruding portions PT3of the first connecting portions CP1may be coupled to the second protruding portions PT2of the third connecting portions CP3adjacent thereto to rotate with respect to the second protruding portions PT2about the rotating axes RX.

The first protruding portion PT1of each of the third connecting portions CP3adjacent to the second connecting portions CP2may be disposed between two fourth protruding portions PT4. The two fourth protruding portions PT4protrude from each of two portions of the second connecting portions CP2. The fourth protruding portions PT4of the second connecting portions CP2may be coupled to the first protruding portions PT1of the third connecting portions CP3adjacent thereto to rotate with respect to the first protruding portions PT1of the third connecting portions CP3adjacent thereto about the rotating axes RX.

First sliding grooves SG1extending in the first direction DR1may be defined in both side surfaces of the second connecting portions CP2, which are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2. Sub-sliding grooves SSG extending in the first direction DR1may be defined in both side surfaces of the first connecting portions CP1, which are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2. The third connecting portions CP3may be disposed between portions of the second connecting portions CP2, which are located above the first sliding grooves SG1, and portions of the first connecting portions CP1, which are located above the sub-sliding grooves SSG.

Referring toFIGS. 12, 13, and 15, the first joint protruding portions JPT1may protrude from two portions of the joint bars JTB, which are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2, in a downward direction. The first joint protruding portions JPT1may be disposed below the third connecting portions CP3. For convenience in illustration, only the first joint protruding portion JPT1is illustrated inFIG. 15and the third connecting portion CP3is omitted. Each of the first joint protruding portions JPT1may have a curved surface of a downward convex shape when viewed in the second direction DR2.

Second sliding grooves SG2may be defined between the third connecting portions CP3and the first joint protruding portions JPT1. For example, the second sliding grooves SG2may be defined in side surfaces of the first joint protruding portions JPT1adjacent to bottoms of the third connecting portions CP3. The second sliding grooves SG2may be extended in the first direction DR1. The first sliding grooves SG1may be disposed at the same height as the second sliding grooves SG2, in the third direction DR3.

The second joint protruding portions JPT2may protrude from some portions of the joint bars JTB in a downward direction. The second joint protruding portions JPT2may be disposed between the first joint protruding portions JPT1. The second joint protruding portions JPT2may be arranged in the second direction DR2. Each of the second joint protruding portions JPT2may have a curved surface of a downward convex shape when viewed in the second direction DR2.

Referring toFIG. 14, each of the second joint protruding portions JPT2may include lower portions protruding in the second direction DR2. Hereinafter, the lower portions of each of the second joint protruding portions JPT2protruding in the second direction DR2may be defined as insertion portions INP.

FIG. 16is a sectional view taken along a line I-I′ ofFIG. 6.FIG. 17is a sectional view taken along a line II-II′ ofFIG. 6.

Referring toFIGS. 16 and 17, the magnet units MTU may be disposed in the recess regions RES. In an embodiment, the recess regions RES, which are used to contain the magnet units MTU, may be disposed in all of the protruding portions PRT, other than the first and last protruding portions PRT_1and PRT_L. However, the inventive concept is not limited to this example, and the recess regions RES, which are used to contain the magnet units MTU, may be disposed in all of the protruding portions PRT.

The second joint protruding portions JPT2may be disposed in the guide grooves GG defined between the protruding portions PRT. The second joint protruding portions JPT2may be configured to be able to move along the guide grooves GG and in the first direction DR1. The insertion portions INP may be disposed in the sub-guide grooves SGG. The insertion portions INP may be configured to be able to move along the sub-guide grooves SGG and in the first direction DR1.

The second sliding grooves SG2may be defined in side surfaces of the first joint protruding portions JPT1, which are adjacent to bottoms of the third connecting portions CP3and face the sliding portions SLP. The sliding portions SLP may be disposed in the first and second sliding grooves SG1and SG2. The sliding portions SLP may be configured to be able to move along the first and second sliding grooves SG1and SG2and in the first direction DR1.

The first joint protruding portions JPT1may be disposed between the first and last protruding portions PRT_1and PRT_L and the sidewall portions SW when viewed in the first direction DR1. The first joint protruding portions JPT1may be configured to be able to move in the first direction DR1, between the first and last protruding portions PRT_1and PRT_L and the sidewall portions SW.

The third extended portions EX3may be disposed between the first and last protruding portions PRT_1and PRT_L and the sidewall portions SW when viewed in the first direction DR1. The third extended portions EX3may be configured to be able to move in the first direction DR1, between the first and last protruding portions PRT_1and PRT_L and the sidewall portions SW.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, a display device DD may include a display panel DP (which may be a flexible display panel) configured to support a folded state and an unfolded state; a supporting portion SP disposed below the display panel DP, wherein the supporting portion comprises a magnetic material; a hinge part (e.g., second hinge part HIG2) disposed below the supporting portion SP and configured to determine a folding axis of the folded state; and one or more magnet units MTU disposed between the hinge part and the supporting portion SP, wherein the one or more magnet units MTU are configured to influence a deformation of the display panel DP by attracting the magnetic material of the supporting portion SP when the flexible display panel is in the unfolded state.

In some embodiments, the supporting portion SP comprises a plurality of supporting bars SB arranged in a first direction and extended in a second direction crossing the first direction, wherein the second direction is parallel to the folding axis. In some embodiments, the display device DD further comprises a joint part JP disposed between the hinge part and the supporting portion SP, the joint part JP comprising a plurality of joints which are arranged in a first direction and extended in a second direction parallel to the folding axis, and wherein the joints are coupled to rotate with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the one or more magnet units MTU are located between the hinge part and the joints.

FIG. 18is a sectional view taken along a line ofFIG. 6.

Referring toFIG. 18, a cavity CVT, which is upwardly extended from a portion of a bottom surface of the third hinge part HIG3and is extended from an inner region of the third hinge part HIG3toward an outside of the third hinge part HIG3in the first direction DR1, may be defined in the third hinge part HIG3. The first extended portion EX1and the second extended portion EX2may be disposed in the cavity CVT. The elastic portion ELP may be disposed in the cavity CVT and near an end of the second extended portion EX2.

The cavity CVT may include a first cavity CVT1, which is defined in a portion of the bottom surface of the third hinge part HIG3, and a second cavity CVT2, which is extended from a region on the first cavity CVT1toward the outside of the third hinge part HIG3in the first direction DR1. The first extended portion EX1may be disposed in the first cavity CVT1, and the second extended portion EX2may be disposed in the second cavity CVT2. The elastic portion ELP may be disposed in the second cavity CVT2and near an end of the second extended portion EX2.

The first extended portion EX1and the second extended portion EX2may be configured to be able to move along the cavity CVT and in the first direction DR1. The first extended portion EX1may be configured to be able to move along the first cavity CVT1and in the first direction DR1. The second extended portion EX2may be configured to be able to move along the second cavity CVT2and in the first direction DR1.

FIG. 19is a diagram illustrating an assembled structure of the hinge part, the supporting portion, and the display panel shown inFIG. 5.

Referring toFIG. 19, the supporting portion SP may be disposed on the hinge part HIG, and the display panel DP may be disposed on the supporting portion SP. The supporting portion SP and the display panel DP may be disposed between the first connecting portions CP1, between the second connecting portions CP2, and between the third connecting portions CP3to extend in the first direction DR1.

The display device DD shown inFIG. 19may be in an unfolded state, and the hinge part HIG, the supporting portion SP, and the display panel DP may be maintained to be flat.

FIG. 20is a sectional view taken along a line IV-IV′ ofFIG. 19.FIGS. 21 and 22are diagrams illustrating a folding operation of the display device ofFIG. 20.

FIG. 21illustrates an example, in which the display device is in a 90° folded state, andFIG. 22illustrates an example, in which the display device is in a 180° folded state.FIGS. 6, 16, and 17, in conjunction withFIGS. 21 and 22, will be described in the description that follows.

Referring toFIG. 20, the supporting bars SB may have an inverted trapezoidal shape when viewed in the second direction DR2. The supporting bars SB may be overlapped with the folding axis FX.

As described above, the first supporting portion SP1may be connected to the first hinge part HIG1, and the second supporting portion SP2may be connected to the third hinge part HIG3. The supporting bars SB may be attached to the display panel DP but may not be attached to the joint bars JTB. The second supporting portion SP2may not be connected to the second hinge part HIG2. The joint bars JTB and the supporting bars SB may be disposed on the protruding portion PRT. Accordingly, the joint bars JTB and the supporting bars SB may be disposed on the magnet unit MTU.

A side surface of the third hinge part HIG3may face the protruding portion PRT and the joint bars JTB in the first direction DR1. The side surface of the third hinge part HIG3may be spaced apart from the protruding portion PRT by a first distance DT1. A top surface of the third hinge part HIG3, a top surface of the first hinge part HIG1, and top surfaces of the joint bars JTB may be disposed on the same planar surface. The supporting portion SP may be disposed on the top surface of the third hinge part HIG3, the top surface of the first hinge part HIG1, and the top surfaces of the joint bars JTB.

The elastic portions ELP may push the third hinge part HIG3toward the outside of the third hinge part HIG3in the first direction DR1when the display device DD is in an unfolded state. Accordingly, the hinge part HIG may be maintained to be flat when the display device DD is in the unfolded state. Therefore, the display panel DP and the supporting portion SP may also be maintained to be flat.

Referring toFIGS. 20, 21, and 22, the magnet units MTU may be disposed below the joint bars JTB, since the magnet units MTU are disposed in the recess regions RES. The supporting bars SB, the joints JT, and the magnet units MTU may be adjacent to the folding axis FX.

The hinge part HIG may rotate with respect to the folding axis FX. As the hinge part HIG is folded by rotating with respect to the folding axis FX, the supporting portion SP and the display panel DP may also be folded by the hinge part HIG.

The folding of the hinge part HIG may lead to the consequent folding of the supporting portion SP since the first hinge part HIG1is connected to the first supporting portion SP1and the third hinge part HIG3is connected to the second supporting portion SP2. The folding of the supporting portion SP may result in the folding of the display panel DP since the display panel DP is connected to the supporting portion SP. The display device DD may be folded in an out-folding manner that the front surface of the display panel DP is exposed to the outside.

The first hinge part HIG1connected to the first supporting portion SP1may be fixed to the first supporting portion SP1when the display device DD is folded. The third hinge part HIG3connected to the second supporting portion SP2may be slid toward a center portion of the display device DD (e.g., the folding axis FX) along the second hinge part HIG2, along with the second supporting portion SP2when the display device DD is folded.

A side surface of the third hinge part HIG3may move toward the protruding portion PRT and may be located at a position adjacent to a side surface of the protruding portion PRT. For example, the third hinge part HIG3may move toward the protruding portion PRT by the first distance DT1.

The supporting bars SB may move and may be arranged in a curved shape around the folding axis FX when the display device DD is folded. The joint bars JTB may also move and may be arranged in a curved shape around the folding axis FX when the display device DD is folded. The third connecting portions CP3may rotate about the rotating axes RX and may be arranged to form a curved shape around the folding axis FX when the display device DD is folded.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 16, the second joint protruding portions JPT2may move along the guide grooves GG, which are defined between the protruding portions PRT, and the insertion portions INP may move along the sub-guide grooves SGG. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 22, the second joint protruding portions JPT2may move along the guide grooves GG and may be arranged in a curved shape around the folding axis FX, along with the joint bars JTB when the display device DD is folded.

As shown inFIG. 16, spaces between the first and last protruding portions PRT_1and PRT_L and the sidewall portions SW may serve as pathways for the movement of the first joint protruding portions JPT1. Therefore, the first joint protruding portions JPT1may be allowed to move along the spaces between the first and last protruding portions PRT_1and PRT_L and the sidewall portions SW when the display device DD is folded. Although not shown, the first joint protruding portions JPT1may also be arranged in a curved shape around the folding axis FX, similar to the second joint protruding portions JPT2.

The folding region FA and the supporting bars SB may be supported by the joint bars JTB. Additionally, the folding operation may be performed, because the joint bars JTB are arranged in a curved shape around the folding axis FX, as a result of the rotation of the third connecting portions CP3. Furthermore, the movement of the joint bars JTB may be guided since the second joint protruding portions JPT2are moved along the guide grooves GG.

As shown inFIG. 17, spaces between the first and last protruding portions PRT_1and PRT_L and the sidewall portions SW may serve as pathways for the movement of the third extended portions EX3. Therefore, the third extended portions EX3may be allowed to move along the spaces between the first and last protruding portions PRT_1and PRT_L and the sidewall portions SW when the display device DD is folded.

As shown inFIGS. 16 and 17, the first and second sliding grooves SG1and SG2may serve as pathways for the movement of the sliding portions SLP. Therefore, the sliding portions SLP may be allowed to move along the first and second sliding grooves SG1and SG2when the display device DD is folded.

The first and second extended portions EX1and EX2may move along the cavity CVT in a direction opposite to the movement direction of the third hinge part HIG3relative to the third hinge part HIG3when the third hinge part HIG3is moved. The elastic portion ELP in the cavity CVT may be compressed by the movement of the first and second extended portions EX1and EX2.

FIG. 23is a side view illustrating a magnet unit, a folding region, and supporting bars ofFIG. 20.

For convenience in illustration, the joints JT are not illustrated inFIG. 23.

Referring toFIG. 23, the magnet units MTU may be disposed below the supporting bars SB. In the case where the folding region FA is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the folding region FA may be deformed to have an upward convex shape, as depicted by a dotted line ofFIG. 23. In an embodiment, the supporting bars SB may be pulled downward by a magnetic force from the magnet units MTU. Accordingly, the folding region FA attached to the supporting bars SB may be pulled downward. Therefore, the folding region FA may be prevented from being deformed.

In sum, the display device DD, according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, may be configured to prevent the folding region FA of the display panel DP from being deformed.

FIG. 24is a diagram illustrating a structure a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

FIG. 24illustrates a section corresponding to the section ofFIG. 20. Therefore, technical features of a display device DD′ ofFIG. 24different from those of the display device DD ofFIG. 20will be described in the description that follows.

Referring toFIG. 24, the display device DD′ may have a symmetric structure about the first direction DR1. In detail, a second hinge part HIG2′ and a third hinge part HIG3′ may have substantially the same structure as the second hinge part HIG2and the third hinge part HIG3ofFIG. 20. However, a side surface of the third hinge part HIG3′ may be spaced apart from the protruding portion PRT by a second distance DT2. The second distance DT2may be half the first distance DT1.

A first hinge part HIG1′ may be provided in such a way that the first and second hinge parts HIG1′ and HIG2′ are symmetric with respect to the folding axis FX. Accordingly, the recess regions RES′ may be defined in the protruding portions PRT′ protruding from the first hinge part HIG1′. The magnet units MTU′ may be disposed in the recess regions RES'. The joint bars JTB′ may be disposed on the protruding portions PRT′. The supporting bars SB may be disposed on the joint bars JTB and JTB′.

The elastic portions ELP′, which is symmetric with the elastic portions ELP, may be disposed in a fourth hinge part HIG4. Additionally, a third extended portion EX3′ extended from the fourth hinge part HIG4may be disposed on the first hinge part HIG1′.

Although not shown, a joint part, whose structure is symmetric with the joint part JP, may be disposed on the first hinge part HIG1′. Additionally, the joints of the joint part including the joint bars JTB′ may be disposed between the first hinge part HIG1′ and the supporting bars SB.

The fourth hinge part HIG4may have a structure symmetric with the third hinge part HIG3′. The fourth hinge part HIG4may be disposed below the first supporting portion SP1, may be spaced apart from the second hinge part HIG2, and may be coupled to the first hinge part HIG1′ to slide along the first hinge part HIG1′ or in the first direction DR1. Although not shown, connecting portions, whose structure is symmetric with the second connecting portions CP2, may be connected to the fourth hinge part HIG4.

The structure of the fourth hinge part HIG4slid along the first hinge part HIG1′ may be the same as that of the third hinge part HIG3′ slid along the second hinge part HIG2′. The first supporting portion SP1may be connected to the fourth hinge part HIG4but may not be connected to the first hinge part HIG1′ to maintain the symmetry with the second supporting portion SP2. A side surface of the fourth hinge part HIG4may be spaced apart from the protruding portion PRT′ by the second distance DT2.

As shown inFIGS. 20 to 22, in the case where the first supporting portion SP1is fixed to the first hinge part HIG1, the third hinge part HIG3may be slid along the second hinge part HIG2and may be moved by the first distance DT1when the display device DD is folded.

As shown inFIG. 24, the third hinge part HIG3′ may be coupled to the second hinge part HIG2′ to slide along the second hinge part HIG2′, and the fourth hinge part HIG4may be coupled to the first hinge part HIG1′ to slide along the first hinge part HIG1′. Accordingly, the third hinge part HIG3′ and the fourth hinge part HIG4may be moved toward the protruding portion PRT and the protruding portion PRT′, respectively, by the second distance DT2when the display device DD′ is folded. Therefore, the movement distances of the third hinge part HIG3′ and the fourth hinge part HIG4may be shortened, compared with the movement distance of the third hinge part HIG3ofFIG. 19when the display device DD′ is folded.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, a display device may include a plurality of magnet units, which are overlapped with a folding region of a display panel and are used to maintain the folding region in a flat shape using an attractive force. Accordingly, it may be possible to prevent the folding region from being deformed.