Case of flexible display device

The present disclosure relates to a flexible display device case that is mounted to a flexible display device including a first body and a second body configured to be movable relative to the first body, and including a first member mounted to the first body to surround a side surface portion of the first body, and a second member mounted to the second body to surround a side surface portion of the second body, wherein an area overlapped by the first member and the second member changes as the first body and the second body move relative to each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119 (a), this application claims the benefit of an earlier filing date and right of priority to International Application No. PCT/KR2020/004953 filed on Apr. 13, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a case of a flexible display device that protects the flexible display device from outside.

BACKGROUND ART

A portable electronic device (hereinafter, a mobile terminal) such as a communication terminal, a multimedia device, a portable computer, a game player, and a photographing device is provided with a display to display image information. A mobile terminal may also have a folding structure that can be folded into a smaller size for convenience of portability. In this type of electronic device, two bodies are connected by a folding structure (e.g., a hinge portion).

Since the related art display had a non-foldable structure, a structure in which a display is disposed over foldably connected two bodies could not be implemented. Therefore, a large screen could not actually be applied to an electronic device with a folding structure.

However, as a flexible display capable of bending has been developed recently, researches to apply a flexible display to a mobile terminal are being conducted, and thus, it is possible to implement a large screen on a device.

Such a flexible display device may realize various sizes of screen by using deformable characteristics of the flexible display. For example, a flexible display device that can be extended to a screen size desired by a user by allowing the flexible display to be drawn out of the device body to extend an area exposed outside may be considered.

Therefore, it is necessary to propose a mechanism of a flexible display device in which a screen may be exposed to a front surface and a rear surface of a frame, respectively, and consider a method in which two frames (bodies) do not deviate from each other while providing smooth movement of the flexible display.

Here, as the two frames (bodies) move closer to each other or move away from each other, there is a need for a case that is mounted on each body and simultaneously protects the two bodies while simultaneously responding to the movements of the two bodies.

In addition, such a case needs to prevent a risk of damage to components that move the two frames (bodies) of the flexible display device when the flexible display device falls toward a ground while the two bodies are in a state disposed away from each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

A first aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a flexible display device case capable of reducing damage to internal components due to an external shock after two frames (bodies) of the flexible display device are moved away from each other.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a flexible display device case capable of reducing damage to internal components due to an external shock, especially when falling in a direction of gravity.

Technical Solution

To achieve the above aspect and other advantages of the present disclosure, there is provided a flexible display device case that is mounted to a flexible display device including a first body and a second body configured to be movable relative to the first body, including a first member mounted to the first body to surround a side surface portion of the first body, and a second member mounted to the second body to surround a side surface portion of the second body, wherein an area overlapped by the first member and the second member changes as the first body and the second body move relative to each other.

As another example, the first body and the second body may, respectively, be configured to implement a first state of being located adjacent to each other such that an area of the flexible display exposed to a rear surface of the second body is largest, and a second state of being moved away from each other such that an area of the flexible display exposed to a front surface of the first body is largest, wherein the first member and the second member may be configured such that an area overlapping each other is largest in the first state, and the overlapping area is narrowed while changing from the first state to the second state.

As another example, the first member may include a first side surface portion surrounding a side surface of a long side of the first body, and a first guide portion formed perpendicular to the first side surface portion and extending to surround an upper surface or a lower surface of the first body.

As another example, the second member may include a second side surface portion surrounding a side surface of a long side of the second body, and a second guide portion formed perpendicular to the second side surface portion and extending to surround an upper surface or a lower surface of the second body, wherein the second guide portion of the second member may be drawn into or out from the guide portion of the first member as first body and the second body are relatively moved between the first state and the second state.

As another example, the first member may further include a rear surface portion surrounding at least a part of a rear surface of the first body.

As another example, the first member may further include a stand pushed in or pulled out from the rear surface portion and fixable by an external force when pulled out.

As another example, the flexible display device case may further include a front surface glass disposed to cover front surfaces of the first member and the second member so as to surround a display exposed to the front surfaces of the first body and the second body.

As another example, the front surface glass may include a first front surface glass fixed by the first side surface portion and the first guide portion of the first member, and a second front surface glass fixed by the second side surface portion and the second guide portion of the second member.

As another example, the first front surface glass and the second front surface glass may be configured such that adjacent side surfaces of the first front surface glass and the second front surface glass contact each other in the first state, and the adjacent side surfaces of the first front surface glass and the second front surface glass are spaced apart from each other as being moved from the first state to the second state.

As another example, the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion may be provided with button holes formed at areas corresponding to buttons of the flexible display device to expose the buttons to outside.

As another example, the first guide portion and the second guide portion may be provided with at least one sensor hole to expose a speaker and a sensor disposed on a front surface and a rear surface of the flexible display device to outside.

As another example, the first member and the second member may further include a shock reducing portion, wherein the shock reducing portion may include a first plate having a first slit formed long in one direction, a second plate in which a part thereof overlaps the first plate and having a second slit formed in a direction same as the direction in which the first slit is formed, and an engaging member configured to be rotatable in one direction, and having an engaging surface inserted into the first slit and the second slit, wherein the first plate and the second plate may be configured to be disposed adjacent to each other in the first state so that the second slit is covered by the first plate, and be moved away from each other in the second state so that the first slit and the second slit communicate with each other, and wherein the engaging surface of the engaging member may be inserted into the first slit and the second slit in the second state so as to prevent the first plate and the second plate from being moved away or closer by an external force.

As another example, the engaging member may be configured to be rotated as the first plate and the second plate are disposed in the second state and arranged side by side in a gravitational direction.

As another example, the engaging member may include a main surface that is inclined with respect to the first plate in the first state, and wherein the engaging surface may be bent at an end portion of the main surface and extend in a direction toward the first plate.

As another example, the engaging member further include a moving object configured to be moved on the main surface to induce rotation of the engaging member by pressing the engaging member.

As another example, the moving object may be configured to be moved on the main surface as the first plate and the second plate are spaced apart in a gravitational direction, and press the main surface so that the engaging member rotates centering on a pin member when the moving object is moved beyond a predetermined position on the main surface.

As another example, the shock reducing portion may further include a cover configured to cover the first plate, and the cover may be provided with a guide groove to guide a movement of the second plate.

As another example, the cover may include fixing surfaces into which the first plate is fitted to be fixed, and a cover surface to connect the fixing surfaces disposed on both sides, wherein an inner side of the cover surface may have a path groove bent along a path of a movement of the moving object.

As another example, the path groove may include a first zone formed in which a main surface of the engaging member corresponds to an inclination formed with respect to the second plate, and a second zone bent at a boundary of the first zone and the second zone and declined to be closer to the first plate, wherein the moving object passes through the first zone and is guided along a surface in the second zone, then presses the engaging member so that the engaging member rotates.

Advantageous Effects

Effects of the present disclosure to be obtained by the above-described solutions are as follows.

A first member and a second member are configured to be mounted on side surfaces of a first body and a second body, which are movable relative to each other between a first state and a second state, and at the same time, a first guide portion and a second guide portion are drawn into or out from each inner side thereof as the first body and the second body move. Accordingly, the first member and the second member are also movable relative to each other. And, as the first member and the second member are moved corresponding to the movement of the first body and the second body, it may provide high convenience.

A flexible display device case has an advantage of supporting and standing a flexible display device and the flexible display device case with respect to a ground by including a stand that is pushed in or pulled out from the rear surface portion.

An engaging surface of an engaging member of a shock reducing portion is inserted into a first slit and a second slit in the second state to prevent a first plate and a second plate from being moved away or closer to each other by an external force. Accordingly, since the first plate and the second plate are not moved away or closer to each other even if an external force is applied to the shock reducing portion, the flexible display device case can absorb the external force. Accordingly, an impact transmitted to the flexible display device connected to the flexible display device case can be reduced.

Since, among the external forces applied to the second member, an amount of external force transmitted to the engaging member and the first member is increased, external force applied to the second body disposed inside the second member may be relatively reduced. Accordingly, when the first body and the second body of the flexible display device are disposed in the second state, an impact applied to the second body can be reduced.

In addition, when the first plate and the second plate are disposed in the second state and also disposed vertically in a gravitational direction, the first plate and the second plate are fixed to each other by a movement of a moving object. Therefore, it is advantageous that the first plate and the second plate are not fixed to each other when simply arranged in the second state. Furthermore, the first plate and the second plate are automatically fixed to each other without additional control while the flexible display device is falling toward the ground, and this may result in reducing an impact.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with the same or similar reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. In general, a suffix such as “module” and “unit” may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function. In describing the present disclosure, if a detailed explanation for a related known function or construction is considered to unnecessarily divert the gist of the present disclosure, such explanation has been omitted but would be understood by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand the technical idea of the present disclosure and it should be understood that the idea of the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings. The idea of the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes besides the accompanying drawings.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected with” another element, the element can be connected with the another element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected with” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

By way of non-limiting example only, further description will be made with reference to particular types of mobile terminals. However, such teachings apply equally to other types of terminals, such as those types noted above. In addition, these teachings may also be applied to stationary terminals such as digital TV, desktop computers, and the like. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the mobile terminal will be described as one example of the flexible display device.

FIG.1is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure.

In more detail, the wireless communication unit110may typically include one or more modules which permit communications such as wireless communications between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system, communications between the mobile terminal100and another mobile terminal, or communications between the mobile terminal100and an external server. Further, the wireless communication unit110may typically include one or more modules which connect the mobile terminal100to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit110may include one or more of a broadcast receiver111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless Internet module113, a short-range communication module114, and a location information module115.

First, regarding the wireless communication unit110, the broadcast receiver111is configured to receive a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast managing server via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, a terrestrial channel, or both. In some embodiments, two or more broadcast receivers may be utilized to facilitate simultaneous reception of two or more broadcast channels, or to support switching among broadcast channels.

The broadcast management server may be a server that generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information or a server that receives a previously generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information and transmits the same to a terminal. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, and the like. Also, the broadcast signal may further include a broadcast signal in a form that a TV or radio broadcast signal is combined with a data broadcast signal.

The broadcast signal may be encrypted by at least one of technical standards (or broadcasting methods, e.g., ISO, IEC, DVB, ATSC, etc.) for transmitting and receiving a digital broadcast signal. The broadcast receiving module111may receive the digital broadcast signal using a method suitable for a technical standard selected from those technical standards.

Examples of the broadcast associated information may include information associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcast service provider, and the like. The broadcast associated information may be provided via a mobile communication network. In this case, the broadcast associated information may be received by the mobile communication module112.

The broadcast associated information may be implemented in various formats. For instance, broadcast associated information may include Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H), and the like. The broadcast signal and/or the broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module111may be stored in the memory160.

The wireless signal may include various types of data depending on a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text/multimedia message transmission/reception.

The wireless Internet module113refers to a module for wireless Internet access. This module may be internally or externally coupled to the mobile terminal100. The wireless Internet module113may transmit and/or receive wireless signals via communication networks according to wireless Internet technologies.

Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-A) and the like. The wireless Internet module113may transmit/receive data according to one or more of such wireless Internet technologies, and other Internet technologies as well.

The input unit120may include a camera121or an image input unit for obtaining images or video, a microphone122, which is one type of audio input device for inputting an audio signal, and a user input unit123(for example, a touch key, a mechanical key, and the like) for allowing a user to input information. Data (for example, audio, video, image, and the like) may be obtained by the input unit120and may be analyzed and processed according to user commands.

The microphone122processes an external audio signal into electric audio (sound) data. The processed audio data can be processed in various manners according to a function executed in the mobile terminal100. The microphone122may include assorted noise removing algorithms to remove unwanted noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal.

The user input unit123is a component that receives an input of information from a user. Such user input may enable the controller180to control operation of the mobile terminal100in correspondence with the received information. The user input unit123may include one or more of a mechanical input element (for example, a mechanical key, a button located on a front and/or rear surface or a side surface of the mobile terminal100, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like), or a touch-sensitive input element, among others. As one example, the touch-sensitive input element may be a virtual key, a soft key or a visual key, which is displayed on a touch screen through software processing, or a touch key which is located on the mobile terminal at a location that is other than the touch screen. On the other hand, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed on the touch screen in various shapes, for example, graphic, text, icon, video, or a combination thereof.

The sensing unit140is generally configured to sense one or more of internal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information of the mobile terminal, user information, or the like, and generate a corresponding sensing signal. The controller180generally cooperates with the sending unit140to control operations of the mobile terminal100or execute data processing, a function or an operation associated with an application program installed in the mobile terminal based on the sensing signal. The sensing unit140may be implemented using any of a variety of sensors, some of which will now be described in more detail.

The proximity sensor141refers to a sensor to sense presence or absence of an object approaching a surface, or an object existing near a surface, by using an electromagnetic field, infrared light, or the like without a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor141may be arranged at an inner area of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen, or near the touch screen.

The touch sensor senses a touch (or a touch input) applied to the touch screen using at least one of a variety of touch methods. Examples of such touch methods include a resistive type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, an ultrasonic type, and a magnetic field type, among others.

When a touch input is sensed by a touch sensor, a signal(s) corresponding to the touch input is transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller may process the received signals, and then transmit corresponding data to the controller180. Accordingly, the controller180may sense which area of the flexible display151has been touched. Here, the touch controller may be a component separate from the controller180, the controller180, and combinations thereof.

In addition, the controller180may be a processor that drives various applications executed in the flexible display device. For example, various applications including a camera application executed in the flexible display device may be driven.

The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implemented individually, or in combination, to sense various types of touches. Such touches include a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi-touch, a drag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipe touch, a hovering touch, and the like.

The camera121, which has been depicted as a component of the input unit120, includes at least one a camera sensor (CCD, CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a laser sensor.

Implementing the camera121with a laser sensor may allow detection of a touch of a physical object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. The photo sensor may be laminated on, or overlapped with, the display device. The photo sensor may be configured to scan movement of the physical object in proximity to the touch screen. In more detail, the photo sensor may include photo diodes and transistors (TRs) at rows and columns to scan content received at the photo sensor using an electrical signal which changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely, the photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical object according to variation of light to thus obtain location information of the physical object.

The flexible display151is generally configured to output information processed in the mobile terminal100. For example, the flexible display151may display execution screen information of an application program executing at the mobile terminal100or user interface (UI) and graphic user interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screen information.

Also, the flexible display151may be implemented as a stereoscopic display for displaying stereoscopic images.

A typical stereoscopic display may employ a stereoscopic display scheme such as a stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), an auto-stereoscopic scheme (glassless scheme), a protrusion scheme (holographic scheme), or the like.

The output unit150may typically be configured to output various types of information, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like. The output unit150may include at least one of the flexible display151, an audio output module152, a haptic module153, and an optical output module154. The flexible display151may have an inter-layered structure or an integrated structure with a touch sensor in order to implement a touch screen. The touch screen may function as the user input unit123which provides an input interface between the mobile terminal100and the user and simultaneously provide an output interface between the mobile terminal100and a user.

The audio output module152may receive audio data from the wireless communication unit110or output audio data stored in the memory170during modes such as a signal reception mode, a call mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The audio output module152can provide audible output related to a particular function (e.g., a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed by the mobile terminal100. The audio output module152may also be implemented as a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, or the like.

The memory170may include one or more types of storage mediums including a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk (SSD) type, a silicon disk drive (SDD) type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DX memory, etc.), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and the like. The mobile terminal100may also be operated in relation to a network storage device that performs the storage function of the memory170over a network, such as the Internet.

Also, the controller180may control at least some of the components illustrated inFIG.1Ato execute an application program that have been stored in the memory170. In addition, the controller180may control at least two of those components included in the mobile terminal100to activate the application program.

At least part of the components may cooperatively operate to implement an operation, a control or a control method of a mobile terminal according to various embodiments disclosed herein. Also, the operation, the control or the control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by an activation of at least one application program stored in the memory170.

(a) and (b) ofFIG.2are perspective views illustrating an exterior appearance of a front surface of the flexible display device in a first state and in a second state, respectively. (a) and (b) ofFIG.3are perspective views illustrating an exterior appearance of a rear surface of the flexible display device in the first state and in the second state, respectively.

The flexible display device related to the present disclosure is a device capable of varying in size of a screen due to a deformation of the flexible display, which may be understood as one of the above-described mobile terminals. In the present disclosure, the device will be referred to as a flexible display device100.

The flexible display device100related to the present disclosure may include a first body101, a second body102, and the flexible display151.

The first body101and the second body102may define an exterior appearance of the flexible display device100. The first body101and the second body102are configured to be movable relative to each other. The first body101and the second body102may achieve the first state, the second state, and a stroke state.

Specifically, the first state is an arrangement state in which the first body101and the second body102are located adjacent to each other and have a largest area of the flexible display151exposed to a rear surface of the second body102. The second state is an arrangement state in which the first body101and the second body102move away from each other and have a largest area of the flexible display151exposed to a front surface of the first body101. The stroke state is a state in which the first body101and the second body102are interchanged between the first state and the second state.

The flexible display device100in the first state has a shorter length in a first direction than in the second state. Since the flexible display device100in the second state is extended in the first direction, a size of the flexible display151disposed on the front surface of the flexible display device200become larger than in the first state. A direction in which the flexible display device100is extended is referred to as a first direction, and a direction in which the flexible display device200is contracted so as to be changed from the second state to the first state is referred to as a second direction. And a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is referred to as a third direction.

The flexible display device100of the present disclosure may be changed from the first state in which a display is disposed on a front surface such as a bar-like mobile terminal to the second state by extending the screen as illustrated in (b) ofFIG.2. In the second state, the area of the flexible display151located at the front surface increases, and the area of the display located at the rear surface decreases as illustrated in (b) ofFIG.3. That is, the display, which was positioned on the rear surface in the first state, is moved to the front surface in the second state.

As such, the display may use the flexible display151that is bendable so as for the location of the display can be changed. The flexible display151refers to a durable display that is lightweight and does not break easily by being fabricated on a thin, flexible substrate, such as paper, which is bent, curved, folded, twisted or rolled while maintaining characteristics of an existing flat panel display.

In addition, an electronic paper is a display to which general ink characteristics are applied, and is different from the existing flat panel display in view of using reflected light. The electronic paper may change information by using a twist ball or electrophoresis using a capsule.

In a state where the flexible display151is not deformed (e.g., a state having an infinite radius of curvature, hereinafter, referred to as a default state), a display area of the flexible display151is flat. When the default state is switched to a state where the flexible display is deformed by an external force (e.g., a state having a finite radius of curvature, hereinafter, referred to as a deformed state), the display area may be curved. As illustrated in the drawing, information displayed in the deformed state may be visual information output on a curved surface. Such visual information is realized by independently controlling an emission of unit pixels (sub-pixels) arranged in a matrix form. The unit pixel denotes an elementary unit for representing one color.

The flexible display151may be deformed to a curved state (e.g., curved up or down, or left or right), other than a flat state, in the default state. When an external force is applied to the curved flexible display151, the flexible display151may be deformed into the flat state (or less curved state) or a more curved state.

Meanwhile, the flexible display151may be combined with a touch sensor to implement a flexible touch screen. When a touch is applied to the flexible touch screen, the controller180(seeFIG.1) may perform a control corresponding to the touch input. The flexible touch screen may be configured to sense a touch input in the deformed state as well as in the default state.

The touch sensor senses a touch (or a touch input) applied to the touch screen using at least one of a variety of touch methods. Examples of such touch methods include a resistive type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, an ultrasonic type, and a magnetic field type, among others.

Meanwhile, the flexible display device100related to the present disclosure may be provided with a deformation detecting unit to detect a deformation of the flexible display151. The deformation detecting unit may be included in the sensing unit140(seeFIG.1).

The deformation detecting unit may be provided on the flexible display151or on a case105to detect information related to the deformation of the flexible display151. Here, the information related to the deformation may be a direction in which the flexible display151is deformed, a deformed degree, a deformed position, a deformed time, and an acceleration at which the deformed flexible display151is restored. In addition, the information may be various which is detectable as the flexible display151is curved.

Also, the controller180may change information displayed on the flexible display151or generate a control signal to control functions of the flexible display device100based on the information related to the deformation of the flexible display151detected by the deformation detecting unit.

A state of the flexible display151is not always be changed by an external force. For example, when the flexible display151is in the first state, the flexible display151may be deformed to the second state by a command of an application or a user. As such, a driving unit may be further provided to deform the flexible display without an external force.

The flexible display151of the present disclosure may be bent 180 degrees, so as a part of which to be located at the front surface of the flexible display device100, and a part of which to be located in the rear surface of the flexible display device100. Since a size of an entire area of the flexible display151is fixed, when the area of the flexible display151located on the front surface of the flexible display device100increases, the area of the flexible display151located on the rear surface of the flexible display device200relatively decreases.

As the flexible display151is disposed up to the rear surface of the flexible display device100, in addition to the front surface of the flexible display device200, a space where an antenna implemented in a rear case in the related art to be mounted is limited. Accordingly, the antenna may be implemented on the flexible display151instead of mounting the antenna in the rear case.

A display built-in antenna (AOD, Antenna on Display) is an antenna in which patterned electrode layers and dielectric layers form a transparent film. The display built-in antenna can be implemented thinner than the related art antenna implemented by copper-nickel plating laser direct structuring (LDS) technology, which has an advantage of not appearing outside and barely affecting the thickness. In addition, the display built-in antenna is able to transmit and receive a signal in a direction in which the display is located. Such a display built-in antenna may be used in a terminal having a display on both sides as in the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3, the rear window unit g may be coupled to the second body102. When the second body102is moved relative to the first body101so as for the first body101and the second body102to achieve the second state, the rear window unit g is moved together with the second body102.

The rear window unit g may be mounted on the second body102to protect the flexible display151disposed on the rear surface from outside. In addition, the rear window unit g may be detached from the second body102to expose the flexible display151. In this manner, a user may remove dust or the like introduced between the rear window unit g and the flexible display151. On the other hand, unlike the description above, the rear window portion g may not be provided.

Meanwhile, a flexible display device case C configured to protect the first body101and the second body102may be fitted to the flexible display device100related to the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the flexible display device case C of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

The flexible display device case C will be described in detail with reference toFIG.4and the drawings below.

FIG.4Ais a perspective view of the case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure being mounted on the flexible display device.FIG.4Bis a perspective view illustrating the case ofFIG.4Aviewed from a front side. (a) to (c) ofFIG.5are perspective views, respectively, illustrating states in which a first member and a second member of the case ofFIG.4Aare disposed in the first state, disposed in the second state, and separated from each other.

As described above, the flexible display device100may include the first body101, the second body102configured to be movable relative to the first body101, and a flexible display configured such that a size of an area exposed to the front surface of the first body101and a size of an area exposed to the rear surface of the second body102vary as the first body101and the second body102are moved relative to each other.

The flexible display device case C may include a first member200and a second member300. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.4A, the flexible display device case C may be fitted to the flexible display device100to surround the flexible display device100. That is, the first member200may surround a side surface of the first body101, and the second member300may surround a side surface of the second body102.

The first body200and the second body300may achieve the first state and the second state. Here, the first state and the second state of the case C may be a state in which the first body101and the second body102of the flexible display device100to which the case C is mounted are disposed when achieving the first state and the second state.

Referring toFIGS.4A and4B, the first member200may include a first guide portion210, a first side surface portion220, a rear surface portion230, and a first front surface glass250.

The first guide portion210of the first member200may surround an upper side and a lower side of the first body101of the flexible display device100. The first guide portion210may be formed perpendicular to the first side surface portion220and may extend to surround an upper surface or a lower surface of the first body101.

A guide portion groove210gmay be formed in the first guide portion210so that the first body101of the flexible display device100is fitted into the guide portion groove210gof the first guide portion210. Further, a second guide portion310of the second member300may be fitted into the guide portion groove210gand be drawn in or out from the guide portion groove210g.

Referring toFIG.4B, the first guide portion210may be provided with at least one sensor hole212and213exposing a speaker and sensors disposed on the front surface and the rear surface of the flexible display device to outside.

Specifically, a speaker hole211to expose the speaker and sensor holes212and213to expose the sensor may be provided on an upper front surface of the first guide portion210. In addition, a terminal hole215to connect the flexible display device100and a terminal may be further provided at a lower portion of the first guide portion210.

The first side surface portion220of the first member200may surround the side surface of the first body101of the flexible display device100.

As illustrated inFIG.4A, button holes221and222may be formed at the first side surface portions220at areas corresponding to buttons of the flexible display device100to expose the buttons.

The first member200may further include a rear surface portion230surrounding at least a part of a rear surface of the first body101. The rear surface portion230may cover a part of the rear surface of the first body101. A sensor hole234to expose various sensors and a camera hole232to expose the camera may be provided at the rear surface portion230of the first member200.

Meanwhile, the first member200may include a stand280pushed in or pulled out from the rear surface portion230of the first member200, and fixable by an external force when pulled out. The stand280may be pushed in or pulled out from the rear surface portion230to make the flexible display device100stand upright. However, as described above, when the rear surface of the first body101is not provided, the rear surface portion230of the first member200may not be provided.

The second member300may include the second guide portion310, a second side surface portion320, and a second front surface glass350.

The second side surface portion320surrounds a side surface of a long side of the second body102. The second guide portion310may be formed perpendicular to the second side surface portion320and may extend to surround an upper surface or a lower surface of the second body102. The second guide portion310of the second member300may be drawn into or out from the first guide portion210of the first member200as first body101and the second body102are relatively moved between the first state and the second state. That is, the second guide portion310of the second member300may be drawn into the lower portion of the first guide portion210of the first member200.

As described above, the first guide portion of the first member surrounds the upper surface and the lower surface of the first body. And, the second guide portion of the second member surrounds the upper surface and the lower surface of the second body. At the same time, the second guide portion of the second member is ready to be drawn into the lower portion of the first guide portion of the first member. Then, the second guide portion of the second member is drawn into or out from the lower portion of the first guide portion of the first member.

Accordingly, the first member and the second member are mounted on the side surfaces of the first body and the second body, which are movable relative to each other between the first state and the second state. At the same time, as the first body and the second body move relative to each other, the first member and the second member also move relative to each other. That is, as the case is mounted to the first body and the second body and moves corresponding to the movement of the first body and the second body moving away or closer to each other, it may provide high convenience. This is because the first guide portion of the first member and the second guide portion of the second member are formed to be drawn in or out from each other.

A second front surface glass350of the second member300may be disposed to extend from an upper second guide portion310to a lower second guide portion310. And, the second front surface glass350of the second member300may be formed to contact a second front surface glass350of the first member200in the first state.

A sensor hole313corresponding to the sensor hole213formed at an upper portion of the first guide portion210of the first member200may be formed at an upper portion of the second guide portion310of the second member300. In addition, a holding protrusion311to guide the second member300into the first member200may be formed on a front surface of the second guide portion310of the second member300. Alternatively, a holding hole may be formed at the second guide portion310of the second member300.

The flexible display device case C may include the front surface glass disposed to cover the front surface of the first member200and the front surface of the second member300so as to surround a display exposed to the front surface of the first body101and a front surface of the second body102.

Specifically, referring toFIG.4B, the front surface glass may include the first front surface glass250fixed by the first guide portion210and the first side surface portion220of the first member200, and the second front surface glass350fixed by the second guide portion310and the second side surface portion320of the second member300.

The front surface glass may be provided to protect a front display of the flexible display device100. The first front surface glass250may be provided to protect a front display of the first body101. The second front surface glass350may be provided to protect a front display of the second body102.

When the flexible display device100is moved from the first state to the second state, the front surface glass may not cover the entire display exposed to the front surface of the flexible display device100.

Specifically, as illustrated in (a) ofFIG.5, the first front surface glass250and the second front surface glass350may be contacted without a gap between each other when the case C is disposed in the first state.

In addition, as illustrated in (b) ofFIG.5, the first front surface glass250and the second front surface glass350may be spaced apart from each other when the flexible display device100is disposed in the second state. At this time, the display of the flexible display device100may be exposed to a gap between the first front surface glass250and the second front surface glass350.

An area where the first member200and the second member300overlap with each other may change as the first body101and the second body102move relative to each other.

For example, as illustrated in (a) ofFIG.5, when the flexible display device100is in the first state, the area where the first member200and the second member300overlap with each other may be largest. At this time, the entire second guide portion310of the second member300may be drawn into the lower portion of the first guide portion210of the first member200. Accordingly, the first member200and the second member300are arranged to have the largest overlapping area.

And, the overlapping area may be narrowed while the first body101and the second body102of the flexible display device100move from the first state to the second state.

For example, as illustrated in (b) ofFIG.5, the second guide portion310drawn into the first guide portion210when the flexible display device100was in the second state may be drawn out from the first guide portion210. Accordingly, the area where the first member200and the second member300overlap each other may be narrowed.

Meanwhile, as described above, the first guide portion210of the first member200and the second guide portion310of the second member300may be configured to overlap each other in both the first state and the second state. However, the area where the first member200and the second member300overlap each other changes.

(c) ofFIG.5is a view in which the first member200and the second member300are separated from each other. As will be described later, the first member200and the second member300may be provided with a shock reducing portion. And, a second slit422may be formed at the second guide portion310of the second member300. This will be described later in detail.

A shock reducing portion400may be disposed at an end portion of the first guide portion210of the first member200. And, the second guide portion310of the second member300may be a second plate420.

The first member200may have a first slit412formed long in one direction. Specifically, referring toFIG.10A, the first slit412may be formed at the first member200.

Meanwhile, a first plate410of the shock reducing portion400may be at least a part of the first member200of the case C. Specifically, the first plate410may be a part of the first guide portion210of the first member200.

In addition, the second plate420of the shock reducing portion400may be the second member300of the case C or at least a part of the second member300. Specifically, the second plate420may be the second guide portion310of the second member300. This will be described later in detail with reference toFIG.8and the following drawings.

FIG.6is a view illustrating (b) ofFIG.5and a cut state thereof.

As described above, the first front surface glass250and the second front surface glass350may be configured such that adjacent side surfaces of the first front surface glass250and the second front surface glass350contact each other in the first state, and the adjacent side surfaces of the first front surface glass250and the second front surface glass350are spaced apart from each other as being moved from the first state to the second state.

(a) ofFIG.5illustrates a state in which the first member200and the second member300are disposed in the second state.

Here, referring to (b) ofFIG.5, the first front surface glass250and the second front surface glass350are spaced apart from each other. And, the display of the flexible display device100may be exposed to a gap between the first front surface glass250and the second front surface glass350.

FIG.7is a view illustrating a state in which the flexible display device case C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is standing upright using the stand280.

Referring to (a) ofFIG.7, the stand280is disposed on the rear surface portion230of the first member200. The stand280may support the case and the flexible display device100enclosed by the case so that the case and the flexible display device100stand upright on a ground.

Referring to (b) ofFIG.7, the stand280may be pulled out from the rear surface portion230. The stand280can be pulled out from the rear surface portion230by pushing or pulling one end of the stand280by hand.

(c) ofFIG.7illustrates a state in which the stand280pulled out from the rear surface portion230is fixed to the ground when the flexible display device case C is in the first state. The stand280may be fixed by being supported by a predetermined pressure of the rear surface portion230. Accordingly, the flexible display device case C and the flexible display device100can stand on the ground.

(d) ofFIG.7illustrates a state in which the stand280pulled out from the rear surface portion230is fixed to the ground when the flexible display device case C is in the second state. As described above, as the stand280is supported and fixed by the predetermined pressure of the rear surface portion230, the flexible display device case C and the flexible display device100in the second state can stand on the ground.

Meanwhile, an angle formed by the rear surface portion230and the stand280may be adjusted. Specifically, unlike (c) or (d) ofFIG.7, the rear surface portion230and the stand280can be fixed forming an angle between the flexible display device case C and the ground smaller than the angle in (c) or (d) ofFIG.7. In addition, the rear surface portion230and the stand280may be fixed at a plurality of angles.

FIG.8is an exploded perspective view of the shock reducing portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.9is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shock reducing portion ofFIG.8viewed from different directions.

The flexible display device case C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include the shock reducing portion400. Specifically, the first member200and the second member300may further include the shock reducing portion400.

The shock reducing portion400may include the first plate410, the second plate420, and an engaging member430.

Here, as described above, the first plate410may be a part of the first member200. Specifically, referring toFIG.10A, the first plate410may be a part of the first guide portion210of the first member200.

The second plate420may be a part of the second member300. Specifically, referring to (c) ofFIG.5, the second plate420may be a part of the second guide portion310of the second member300.

The first slit412is formed long in one direction at the first plate410. A length of the first slit412may be slightly longer than a length of an engaging surface434of the engaging member430, which will be described later. In addition, the first slit412may be formed long in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first plate410and the second plate420move closer to or farther from each other.

The second slit422may be formed long in a direction same as the direction in which the first slit412is formed long. And, the second plate420may overlap a part of the first plate410.

The first plate410and the second plate420may be configured to achieve the first state and the second state. In the first state, the first plate410and the second plate420are moved closer to each other, and the second slit422is covered by the first plate410. Specifically, referring toFIG.10A, the first plate410and the second plate420are arranged in the first state. Here, the second slit422is covered by the first plate410.

In the second state, the first slit412and the second slit422are arranged to communicate with each other. Specifically, referring to (a) ofFIG.11, the first plate410and the second plate420are separated from each other so that the first slit412and the second slit422can communicate with each other.

A thickness side of the second plate420may have a guide protrusion424protruding in at least one direction. The guide protrusion424may guide a movement of the second plate420, so that the second plate420smoothly moves when the second plate420is drawn into a guide groove444of a cover440.

Meanwhile, the second state in the present disclosure may refer to the followings. The state in which the first body101and the second body102of the flexible display device100are disposed away from each other. And, the state in which the first slit412of the first plate410and the second slit422of the second plate420of the shock reducing portion400are arranged to communicate with each other.

The engaging member430may include a main surface432, the engaging surface434and a pin member hole portion436.

The main surface432may be formed to be inclined with respect to the first plate410in the first state. Specifically, referring to (b) ofFIG.9, the main surface432is formed to be inclined with respect to the first plate410.FIG.9illustrates the shock reducing portion400disposed in the first state. Meanwhile, a bottom surface of the main surface432may be supported by a protrusion413formed on the first plate410. The protrusion413of the first plate410may reduce an impact at an end portion of the main surface432while the engaging member430rotating.

When the first plate410and the second plate420are not spaced apart in a gravitational direction, a moving object450may be disposed at one end side of the main surface432due to the inclination of the main surface432with respect to the first plate410. In addition, when the first plate410and the second plate420are spaced apart vertically in the gravitational direction, the moving object450may move toward another end side of the main surface432along the main surface by gravity.

The engaging surface434may be bent at the end portion of the main surface432and extend in a direction toward the first plate410. Referring to (b) ofFIG.9, the engaging surface434is bent at the end portion of the main surface432and extends therefrom. In addition, the engaging surface434may be maintained in a state inserted into the first slit412of the first plate410in the first state.

As the engaging surface434is formed in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first plate410and the second plate420move relative to each other, the shock reducing portion can withstand greater impact transmitted from outside when the engaging surface434of the engaging member430is inserted into the first slit412and the second slit422.

In addition, the engaging member430may further include a pin member438. The pin member438may provide an axis of rotation of the engaging member430. The pin member438may be fitted into the pin member hole portion436and be fixed to the cover440described below.

The pin member hole portion436may be formed at the bottom surface of the main surface432. In addition, the pin member438may be inserted into a pin member hole436hformed in the pin member hole portion436. The pin member hole portion436may be formed close to a centroid of the engaging member430. Accordingly, the engaging member430can easily rotate when the moving object450to be described later moves beyond the pin member hole portion436.

The engaging surface434is rotatable centering on the pin member hole portion436into which the pin member438is inserted. When the first slit412and the second slit422are disposed in the second state in which the first slit412and the second slit422communicate with each other, the engaging surface434may be inserted into the first slit412and the second slit422as the engaging member430rotates.

The engaging surface434is inserted into the first slit412and the second slit422in the second state to prevent the first plate410and the second plate420from being moved away or closer to each other by an external force. Accordingly, since the first plate410and the second plate420are not moved away or closer to each other even if an external force is applied to the shock reducing portion400, the shock reducing portion400can absorb the external force. Accordingly, an impact transmitted to the flexible display device100which is connected to the shock reducing portion400can be reduced.

The engaging member430may be configured to be rotated as the first plate410and the second plate420are disposed in the second state and arranged side by side in the gravitational direction. Referring to (a) ofFIG.12, the state in which the first plate410and the second plate420are arranged side by side in the gravitational direction, may refer to a state in which the first plate410and the second plate420are sequentially arranged in the gravitational direction G.

Such an arrangement state may be achieved when the flexible display device100is falling toward the ground. In this case, a big impact is applied to the second body102of the flexible display device100, so that configurations changing the first body101and the second body102between the first state and the second state may be damaged. Therefore, as the engaging member430of the present disclosure is rotated when the first plate410and the second plate420are arranged side by side in the gravitational direction while being disposed in the second state, the impact applied to the second body102of the flexible display device100can be reduced.

Specifically, referring to (b) to (d) ofFIG.12, as the first plate410and the second plate420are disposed in the second state while being disposed side by side in the gravitational direction, the engaging member430can be rotated by the moving object450moving on the main surface432of the engaging member430. This will be described later in detail.

The shock reducing portion400may further include the moving object450configured to be moved on the main surface432to induce rotation of the engaging member430by pressing the engaging member430. The moving object450may be disposed on the main surface432and may be moved on the main surface432by gravity.

Specifically, the moving object450may be moved on the main surface432as the first plate410and the second plate420are spaced apart in the gravitational direction, and may press the main surface432when moved beyond the pin member438to rotate the engaging member430centering on the pin member438.

The moving object450may be defined in a ball shape. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.8, the moving object450may be defined in a ball shape. Accordingly, the moving object450can move freely on the main surface432.

Meanwhile, the shock reducing portion400may further include the cover440.

The cover440may be configured to cover the first plate410. Specifically, the cover440may be formed integrally with the first plate410to cover the first plate410. The first plate410and the cover440may also be formed separately, not integrally. As the cover440covers the first plate410, the moving object450moving on the engaging member430does not fall out of the shock reducing portion400.

The guide groove444may guide the movement of the second plate420. Specifically, the second plate420may be fitted into the guide groove444of the cover440to change a relative distance from the first plate410.

In addition, the cover440may further include a rear cover460covering a rear side of the cover440. The rear cover460may cover the rear side of the cover440so that the moving object450moving on the engaging member430does not fall out through the rear side of the cover440. In addition, when the moving object450and the engaging member430are damaged, it can be checked or repaired by removing the rear cover460. On an inner side of the rear cover460, a bumper462may be further provided at an area where the moving object450might contact, so that the moving object450is not damaged due to the contact.

In addition, fixing holes446into which both ends of the pin member438are fixed may be formed at the cover440. The pin member438is fitted into the fixing holes446to provide an axis of rotation of the engaging member430.

In addition, the cover440may include fixing surfaces440aand a cover surface443.

When the first plate410and the cover440are formed integrally, the first plate410may be integrally formed with the fixing surfaces440a. The fixing surfaces440amay guide the moving object450when the moving object450is moving on the engaging member430. In addition, the fixing surfaces440amay prevent the moving object450from moving out of the cover440.

The cover surface443may connect the fixing surfaces440adisposed on both sides. In addition, a path groove440gformed to be bent along a path in which the moving object450moves may be formed inside the cover surface443.

The path groove440gmay be formed to have a narrower width as it goes from one side of a first zone440g1toward a boundary of the first zone440g1and a second zone440g2to guide a path in which the moving object450is moved on the main surface432. Specifically, referring toFIG.9, a gap between inner surfaces of the fixing surfaces440amay be narrowed from the rear cover460side toward the engaging surface434. Accordingly, the main surface432may also be formed to have a narrower width from the rear cover460side toward the engaging surface434of the engaging member430.

The fixing surfaces440aand the main surface432may have some space apart from each other. This is to prevent the engaging member430from being locked by the fixing surfaces440aof the cover440while the engaging member430is rotating.

Meanwhile, unlike the above-described embodiment, a width of the path groove440gmay be narrowed drastically. As the width of the path groove440gis narrowed, a range of the moving object450moving right and left may get smaller. In addition, as the width of the path groove440gis narrowed, the moving object450may press a center of the main surface432. Accordingly, the engaging member430may rotate more easily.

Meanwhile, the path groove440gmay include the first zone440g1to a third zone440g3.

The first zone440g1may be formed in which the main surface432of the engaging member430corresponds to an inclination formed with respect to the second plate420. Specifically, as illustrated in (b) ofFIG.9, a range of the first zone440g1may be from the rear cover460side to a middle part of the main surface432. In the first zone440g1, a thickness of the cover surface443may be reduced in response to the inclination of the main surface432. Accordingly, a space through which the moving object450can move may be provided inside the path groove440g.

The moving object450may be guided along a surface in the second zone440g2after passing through the first zone440g1to press the engaging member430to rotate the engaging member430.

The second zone440g2may be bent at a boundary of the first zone440g1and the second zone440g2and declined to be closer to the first plate410. As illustrated in (b) ofFIG.9, the thickness of the cover surface443may be thickened immediately after passing through the first zone440g1. Accordingly, the moving object450may contact the cover surface443in the second zone440g2.

Here, when the first plate410and the second plate420are disposed in the second state, the moving object450may press the engaging member430to rotate the engaging member430. Specifically, as illustrated in (c) ofFIG.12, the first plate410and the second plate420are disposed in the second state, and the moving object450may be moved while pressing the engaging member430in the second zone440g2. Accordingly, the engaging member430is rotated centering on the pin member438. In addition, a space between the cover surface443of the cover440and the main surface432of the engaging member430is secured, so that the moving object450can be additionally moved.

In the third zone440g3, the cover surface443may protrude more toward the first plate410than the second zone440g2. Accordingly, when the moving object450presses the engaging member430in the second zone440g2, the movement of the moving object450may be controlled so that the moving object450no longer moves. In the third zone440g3, the moving object450is caught by the cover440so that even when an impact from outside is transmitted through the second plate420, the moving object450is not moving back toward the main surface432.

FIGS.10A and10Bare cross-sectional views illustrating the shock reducing portion mounted on the case viewed from different directions.FIG.11is a conceptual view illustrating a state in which the moving object is moving inside the shock reducing portion while the case is falling.FIG.12is a conceptual view illustrating a state in which the moving object in the shock reducing portion is moved to rotate the engaging member while the first member and the second member of the case are arranged side by side in the gravitational direction.

FIG.10Ais a cross-sectional view of the flexible display device case C and the shock reducing portion cut in one direction. Referring to the drawing, the moving object450is disposed at one end of the main surface432of the engaging member430due to the inclination of the main surface432. The rear cover460may support the moving object450so that the moving object450does not escape through a rear side of the shock reducing portion400.

The path groove440gforming a space with the main surface432of the engaging member430through which the moving object450can move may be formed inside the cover440. A height of the path groove440gmay be formed just enough for the moving object450to pass therethrough. Accordingly, when the moving object450is moved on the main surface432, an impact generated while colliding between the cover440and the main surface432can be reduced.

As described above, the engaging member430may be configured to be rotated when the first plate410and the second plate420are disposed in the second state, and are arranged side by side in the gravitational direction.

Specifically, as illustrated in (a) to (d) ofFIG.11, it may be assumed that the first member200and the second member300of the case C are arranged side by side in the gravitational direction while falling down.

Referring to (a) ofFIG.11, the first plate410and the second plate420(the first member200and the second member300) are disposed in the second state. Accordingly, the first slit412and the second slit422may be disposed in communication with each other. However, since the first plate410and the second plate420are not disposed side by side in the gravitational direction but are disposed at a same level with respect to the ground, the moving object450does not move. And, as the moving object450is disposed at the rear portion of the main surface432of the engaging member430, the engaging member430does not rotate.

Referring to (b) ofFIG.11, as the case C is slightly declined to the ground, the first plate410and the second plate420may also be slightly declined. Accordingly, the moving object450may be moved along the main surface432. However, the moving object450is not moved to a position beyond the pin member438of the engaging member430. Accordingly, the locking member430does not rotate, but relative positions of the first plate410and the second plate420may be changed while not being fixed to each other.

Referring to (c) and (d) ofFIG.11, as the first plate410and the second plate420are further declined to the ground, the moving object450may be further moved toward a top end of the main surface432. However, the moving object450does not move to a section beyond the pin member438of the main surface432. Accordingly, the engaging member430does not rotate.

Subsequently, as illustrated in (a) ofFIG.12, it may be assumed that the first member200and the second member300of the flexible display device case C fall down while being arranged side by side in the gravitational direction.

Here, the moving object450is moved on the main surface432as the first plate410and the second plate420are spaced apart in the gravitational direction, and when the moving object450is moved beyond the pin member438, it may press the main surface432so that the engaging member430rotates about the pin member438.

Specifically, as illustrated in (b) ofFIG.12, when the first plate410and the second plate420are arranged side by side in the gravitational direction, the moving object450moves along the main surface432of the engaging member430. Then, when the moving object450is disposed close to the pin member438, the moving object450may contact the cover440.

Next, as illustrated in (c) ofFIG.12, the moving object450is moved beyond the pin member438of the engaging member430. At this time, the first plate410and the second plate420are disposed in the second state, and the first slit412and the second slit422communicate with each other. The moving object450may contact the cover440while moving beyond the pin member438. In contact with the cover440, the moving object450may press the engaging member430.

As illustrated in (d) ofFIG.12, when the moving object450is completely moved downward, the engaging member430is inserted into the first slit412and the second slit422. Specifically, the engaging surface434of the engaging member430may be inserted into the first slit412and the second slit422. Accordingly, the first plate410and the second plate420may be fixed to each other.

The aforementioned flexible display device case is not limited to the configurations and the methods of the embodiments described above, but all or some of the embodiments may be selectively combined so that various modifications can be made.