Patent Description:
In general, a display apparatus is an apparatus for outputting an image based on an image source received thereby.

<CIT> refers to a electronic devices with flexible displays.

<CIT> refers to a flexible display device.

The display apparatus is manufactured so as to have a flat shape in order to display an image. In recent years, however, a curved display apparatus bent so as to have a curved surface has been disclosed in order to improve immersion in an image.

The curved display apparatus is manufactured in the state in which a flexible display panel is received and fixed in a curved case or a curve retention member is attached to the flexible display panel such that the display panel is curved.

Since the curved display apparatus is manufactured so as to have a predetermined curvature, however, when it is necessary to change the radius of curvature or consumers require the shape of the curved display apparatus to be changed, it is difficult to manufacture the curved display apparatus so as to correspond thereto. Even though the display apparatus displays an image in a curved state, consumers not perceive a substantial visual difference.

In order to solve these problems, <CIT>) discloses VARIABLE DRIVING DEVICE FOR VARIABLE DISPLAYS.

In the conventional variable driving device for variable displays, a display panel is bent by operation of a gear box in the state in which the display panel is spread so as to have a flat shape such that the display panel is bent or spread at a curvature desired by a user.

In the conventional variable driving device for variable displays, it is possible to change the curvature of the display panel, but it is difficult to change the shape of the display panel, whereby it is not possible to provide various visual effects. Furthermore, a visual aesthetic sense and concentration of attention are reduced due to change in shape of the display panel.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for varying the shape of a display panel capable of varying the shape of the display panel to a plurality of curved surfaces as well as a single curved surface, thereby providing various visual effects and improving concentration of attention together with a visual aesthetic sense, and a curved display apparatus equipped with the same.

A device for varying the shape of a flexible display panel according to claim <NUM> includes:.

The hinge portion include a hinge connector configured to connect the first curved surface receiving portion and the second curved surface receiving portion to each other in a state of being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance so as to prevent damage to the display panel due to bending thereof.

The hinge connector include a plurality of hinge connectors connected to each other so as to be turnable relative to each other, the plurality of hinge connectors being configured to connect the first curved surface receiving portion and the second curved surface receiving portion to each other.

The hinge portion turn the first curved surface receiving portion or the second curved surface receiving portion so as to have a curved surface reverse to the curved surface of the one end or the other end of the display panel.

The driving unit include a driving bracket installed at the rear of the variable case, the driving bracket being configured to turn the first curved surface receiving portion or the second curved surface receiving portion relative to the hinge portion.

The driving bracket include a first support portion turnably coupled to the first curved surface receiving portion, the first support portion being configured to pull or push the first curved surface receiving portion such that the first curved surface receiving portion is turned relative to the hinge portion, a second support portion turnably coupled to the second curved surface receiving portion, the second support portion being configured to pull or push the second curved surface receiving portion such that the second curved surface receiving portion is turned relative to the hinge portion, and a bracket connection portion configured to turnably connect the first support portion and the second support portion to each other.

The driving unit include a variable driving mechanism configured to pull or push the driving bracket such that the first support portion and the second support portion are turned relative to the hinge portion.

The variable case include a backlight unit installed at the rear of the display panel, the backlight unit being configured to provide light to the display panel, the backlight unit being bent together with the display panel depending on change in shape of the variable case.

A curved display apparatus equipped with a device for varying the shape of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the device for varying the shape of the display panel according to the above embodiment, a display main body configured to allow the device for varying the shape of the display panel to be installed therein, and a panel position changing mechanism configured to change the position of the device for varying the shape of the display panel in the display main body in order to achieve change in center of gravity or a visual effect due to change in shape of the display panel varied by the device for varying the shape of the display panel.

According to the present invention, it is possible to vary the shape of a single curved display panel to a shape including a plurality of curved surfaces,
whereby it is possible to provide visual effects, and it is possible to improve the visual effects and the concentration of attention based on the varied shape of the display panel.

As shown in <FIG>, a device for varying the shape of a display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention include a display panel <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> be flexibly bent so as to have a desired curved shape.

The display panel <NUM> be an LCD, an OLED, or a QLED. When the display panel <NUM> is an LCD, the thickness of the display panel be reduced by etching such that the display panel can be easily bent.

The display panel <NUM> display an image according to an electrical signal.

As shown in <FIG>, the device for varying the shape of the display panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention include a variable case <NUM>.

The variable case <NUM> support the display panel <NUM>, which is flexibly bent, in a curved shape, and vary the curved display panel <NUM> into another curved shape.

The variable case <NUM> include a first curved surface receiving portion <NUM>, a second curved surface receiving portion <NUM>, and a hinge portion <NUM>.

The first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> fix one end of the display panel <NUM> in a state of being bent in a curved shape, and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> fix the other end of the display panel <NUM> in a state of being bent in a curved shape.

The first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion be bent at a predetermined reference curvature such that one end and the other end of the display panel <NUM> are received therein or attached thereto in order to fix the one end and the other end of the display panel <NUM> in a state of being bent in a curved shape.

Meanwhile, the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion be formed so as to have single curved surfaces with the same origin, whereby the display panel <NUM> be installed so as to generally have the same curvature in the state in which the display panel <NUM> is installed in the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM>.

The hinge portion <NUM> connect the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> to each other such that the first curved surface receiving portion and the second curved surface receiving portion can be turned relative to each other.

In the first embodiment, as described and shown in the drawings, the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are configured such that the display panel <NUM> is bent upwards and downwards at the predetermined reference curvature, and the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are connected to each other via the hinge portion <NUM> such that the first curved surface receiving portion and the second curved surface receiving portion can be turned about the hinge portion <NUM> upwards and downwards relative to each other.

Alternatively, the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> be configured such that the display panel <NUM> is bent leftwards and rightwards at a predetermined reference curvature, and the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> be connected to each other via the hinge portion <NUM> such that the first curved surface receiving portion and the second curved surface receiving portion can be turned about the hinge portion <NUM> leftwards and rightwards relative to each other.

The hinge portion <NUM> include a hinge connector <NUM>.

The hinge connector <NUM> prevent damage to the display panel due to an abrupt change in curvature of a bent portion when the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are turned about the hinge portion <NUM>.

The first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> be turnably coupled to opposite ends of the hinge connector <NUM> in the state in which the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance such that each of the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> can be turned about a corresponding one of the coupled portions.

The hinge connector <NUM> be configured such that a plurality of hinge connectors <NUM> is turnably connected to each other at facing ends thereof and the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are turnably connected to opposite ends of a connection assembly constituted by the plurality of hinge connectors <NUM>, respectively.

In the first embodiment, two hinge connectors <NUM> are connected to each other, and the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are turnably connected to ends of the two hinge connectors <NUM>, respectively.

In the state in which the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> connected to each other via the hinge portion <NUM> fix the display panel <NUM> received therein in a bent state so as to generally have the same curvature, the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> be turned about the hinge portion <NUM> relative to the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> so as to be further bent toward the front or the rear of the display panel <NUM>, whereby it is possible to bend the display panel <NUM> so as to have a curved surface with a curvature different from the curvature of the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM>.

In addition, the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> be turned about the hinge portion <NUM> relative to the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> so as to be further bent toward the front or the rear of the display panel <NUM>, whereby it is possible to bend the display panel <NUM> so as to have a curved surface with a curvature different from the curvature of the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM>.

Of course, the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> be equally turned about the hinge portion <NUM> toward the front or the rear of the display panel <NUM>, whereby it is possible to bend the display panel <NUM> so as to be further folded or unfolded in the same direction.

When the hinge portion <NUM> is constituted by a hinge connector <NUM>, even though the display panel <NUM> is bent at the same angle, the bent angle of the display panel <NUM> is reduced at the part of the display panel <NUM> corresponding to the hinge connector <NUM>, whereby it is possible to minimize damage to the display panel <NUM> due to bending of the display panel <NUM>.

When the hinge portion <NUM> is constituted by a plurality of hinge connectors <NUM> connected to each other, the curvature of the bent portion of the display panel <NUM> be further reduced, whereby it is possible to minimize damage to the display panel <NUM> due to bending of the display panel.

When the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are turned about the hinge portion <NUM> toward the rear of the display panel <NUM> in the state in which the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are bent toward the front of the display panel <NUM> so as to have a concave curved surface when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from the front, the part of the display panel <NUM> located at the hinge portion <NUM> relatively protrudes to the front, whereby it is possible to bend the display panel <NUM> so as to have a convex curved surface reverse to opposite ends of the display panel <NUM> located at the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, the display panel <NUM> be formed so as to have a concave curved surface when the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are viewed from the front of the display panel <NUM>, whereby the display panel <NUM> generally have a concave shape in the initial state thereof.

When the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are turned about the hinge portion <NUM> toward the front of the display panel <NUM>, the middle portion of the display panel <NUM> is bent into a concave shape reverse to the opposite ends of the display panel <NUM>, which are convex, whereby it is possible to vary the shape of the display panel <NUM> having the single curved surface into a shape having a plurality of curved surfaces.

The variable case <NUM> include a backlight unit <NUM>.

The backlight unit <NUM> provide light such that the display panel can display an image using bright light.

The backlight unit <NUM> be located in the variable case <NUM> at the rear of the display panel <NUM>, and be installed in the variable case <NUM> so as to emit light to the front of the display panel <NUM>, which displays an image.

Since the backlight unit <NUM> is installed in the variable case <NUM>, the backlight unit be equally bent together with the display panel <NUM> when the shape of the variable case <NUM> is varied, whereby the shape of the backlight unit be varied.

The backlight unit <NUM> include a light guide plate, and a light source configured to emit light be installed at a rear surface of the light guide plate, or light be emitted from the circumference of the light guide plate such that light can be emitted toward the front of the display panel <NUM> through the light guide plate.

In addition, the backlight unit <NUM> diffuse light emitted from the light source such that the light emitted from the light source can be uniformly diffused over the entirety of the display panel <NUM>. To this end, a diffusion plate be installed between the light guide plate and the display panel <NUM>.

In addition, the backlight unit <NUM> include a reflection plate configured to reflect light emitted from the light source to the front of the display panel <NUM>, and the reflection plate be installed between the variable case <NUM> and the light guide plate.

As shown in <FIG>, the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention include a driving unit <NUM>.

The driving unit <NUM> drive the variable case <NUM> such that the shape of the display panel <NUM> is varied.

Meanwhile, the driving unit <NUM> include a driving bracket <NUM> and a variable driving mechanism <NUM>.

The driving bracket <NUM> be installed at the rear of the variable case <NUM> so as to vary the variable case <NUM> such that the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM>, the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM>, or the hinge portion <NUM> is pushed or pulled in order to vary the shape of the display panel <NUM>.

The driving bracket <NUM> be installed at the rear of the variable case <NUM> so as to be attached to the variable case <NUM> such that the hinge portion <NUM>, the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM>, or the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> is pushed or pulled.

The driving bracket <NUM> include a first support portion <NUM> coupled to the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM>, a second support portion <NUM> coupled to the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM>, and a bracket connection portion <NUM> configured to connect the first support portion <NUM> and the second support portion <NUM> to each other so as to be turnable relative to each other on the same axis as the hinge portion <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the first support portion <NUM> and the second support portion <NUM> be coupled to the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> so as to be turnable upwards and downwards.

The first support portion <NUM> and the second support portion <NUM> respectively include horizontal portions 151a and 153a extending to the rear of the variable case <NUM> and vertical portions 151b and 153b extending from distal ends of the horizontal portions 151a and 153a in a direction toward each other. The vertical portions 151b and 153b, which face each other, be connected to each other via the bracket connection portion <NUM> such that the bracket connection portion <NUM> is located at the rear of the variable case <NUM> so as to be spaced apart therefrom.

The first support portion <NUM> be coupled to the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> via a hinge pin so as to be turnable upwards and downwards, and the second support portion <NUM> also be coupled to the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> via a hinge pin so as to be turnable upwards and downwards.

In addition, the vertical portions 151b and 153b and the horizontal portions 151a and 153a, which constitute the first support portion <NUM> and the second support portion <NUM>, be coupled to each other via hinge pins so as to be turnable relative to each other.

The variable driving mechanism <NUM> drive the driving bracket <NUM> such that the driving bracket <NUM> is pushed in a direction in which the display panel <NUM> is located, i.e. forwards, or pulled in a direction opposite thereto, i.e. rearwards, so as to change the shape of the variable case <NUM>, thereby varying the shape of the display panel <NUM>.

The variable driving mechanism <NUM> drive the driving bracket <NUM> so as to pull or push the first support portion <NUM> and the second support portion <NUM> such that the variable case <NUM> is inclined forwards or rearwards by the first support portion <NUM> and the second support portion <NUM>.

The variable driving mechanism <NUM> be implemented by a cylinder configured such that a piston shaft is advanced and retreated by hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, or an electric motor.

In the first embodiment, the variable driving mechanism <NUM> is implemented by a cylinder; however, the variable driving mechanism <NUM> be implemented by any one of various mechanical structures configured to pull or push the first support portion <NUM> and the second support portion <NUM>, such as gear connection, belt driving, or wire driving.

The variable driving mechanism <NUM> be installed at each of the part at which the vertical portion 151b and the horizontal portion 151a of the first support portion <NUM> are connected to each other, the part at which the vertical portion 153b and the horizontal portion 153a of the second support portion <NUM> are connected to each other, and the part at which the first support portion <NUM> and the second support portion <NUM> are connected to each other via the bracket connection portion <NUM> so as to pull or push each connection part, thereby varying the shape of the variable case <NUM>.

For example, when the part at which the vertical portion 151b and the horizontal portion 151a of the first support portion <NUM> are connected to each other via the hinge pin and the part at which the vertical portion 153b and the horizontal portion 153a of the second support portion <NUM> are connected to each other via the hinge pin are pulled toward the rear of the variable case <NUM> by the variable driving mechanisms <NUM> and the bracket connection portion <NUM> is pushed toward the front of the variable case <NUM> by the variable driving mechanism <NUM> located at the bracket connection portion, the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> of the variable case <NUM> be unfolded about the hinge portion <NUM>, and the hinge portion <NUM> protrude toward the front of the display panel <NUM>, whereby the shape of the display panel <NUM> having a single curved surface be varied to the shape of the display panel <NUM> having three curved surfaces (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

Of course, when the shape of the display panel <NUM> is varied such that the display panel has three curved surfaces, the curved surface located at the hinge portion <NUM> be varied to a curved surface reverse to the curved surfaces of the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> about the display panel <NUM>.

When the part at which the vertical portion 151b and the horizontal portion 151a of the first support portion <NUM> are connected to each other via the hinge pin and the part at which the vertical portion 153b and the horizontal portion 153a of the second support portion <NUM> are connected to each other via the hinge pin are pushed toward the front of the variable case <NUM> and the part at which the hinge portion <NUM> is located is pulled toward the rear of the variable case <NUM> by the variable driving mechanisms <NUM> in the state in which the display panel <NUM> is varied to a shape having three curved surfaces, the protruding parts of the display panel <NUM> return to the original positions thereof, whereby the shape of the display panel <NUM> be varied to the shape of the display panel <NUM> generally having a single curved surface with the same curvature.

Of course, when only the first support portion <NUM> or the second support portion <NUM> is pulled or pushed by the variable driving mechanism <NUM>, the shape of the display panel l30 be varied to a shape having two curved surfaces.

Hereinafter, the operation and effect of each component described above will be described.

In the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are disposed in up-down symmetry, and the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are connected to each other via the hinge portion <NUM> to constitute the variable case <NUM>.

The plurality of hinge connectors <NUM> of the hinge portion <NUM> is coupled to each other so as to be turnable relative thereto in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are turned, the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> is turnably coupled to one end of the connection assembly constituted by the plurality of hinge connectors <NUM>, and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> is turnably coupled to the other end of the connection assembly constituted by the plurality of hinge connectors <NUM>.

The backlight unit <NUM>, the shape of which is varied depending on the shape of the variable case <NUM>, is installed in the variable case <NUM>, and the display panel <NUM>, which is flexibly bent, is installed at the front of the backlight.

When the display panel <NUM> is installed in the variable case <NUM>, as described above, the display panel <NUM> have a shape of a curved display panel <NUM> generally having a single curved surface with the same origin, since the origins of the curved surfaces of the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are the same.

The driving unit <NUM>, which is configured to vary the shape of the variable case <NUM>, is installed at the rear of the variable case <NUM>, and the driving unit <NUM> is configured such that the driving bracket <NUM> is installed at the rear of the variable case <NUM> and the variable driving mechanism <NUM> is connected to the driving bracket <NUM>, whereby the variable driving mechanism <NUM> drives the driving bracket <NUM>.

The first support portion <NUM> of the driving bracket <NUM> is turnably installed at the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM>, and the second support portion <NUM> is turnably installed at the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM>.

The first support portion <NUM> and the second support portion <NUM> are coupled to each other via the bracket connection portion <NUM> so as to be turnable relative to each other, and the variable driving mechanism <NUM> be installed at each of the part at which the horizontal portion 151a and the vertical portion 151b of the first support portion <NUM> are connected to each other, the part at which the horizontal portion 153a and the vertical portion 153b of the second support portion <NUM> are connected to each other, and the part at which the bracket connection portion <NUM> is installed.

The device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention, configured as described above, be operated according to an image displayed on the display panel <NUM>, the occurrence of a specific event, or user manipulation in order to vary the shape of the display panel <NUM>.

When the variable driving mechanisms <NUM> of the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel are operated in order to vary the shape of a display panel bent at a predetermined curvature, the variable driving mechanisms <NUM> push the first support portion <NUM> and the second support portion <NUM> toward the front at which the display panel <NUM> is located, and the variable driving mechanism <NUM> located at the bracket connection portion <NUM> pulls the bracket connection portion <NUM> toward the rear of the display panel <NUM>.

When the variable driving mechanisms <NUM> are operated, the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are unfolded, the hinge portion <NUM> relatively protrudes toward the front of the display panel <NUM>, whereby the shape of the display panel <NUM> is varied to a shape having three curved surfaces with different origins configured such that the upper and lower parts are concave and the middle part is convex.

When the variable driving mechanisms <NUM> are operated to push the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> toward the front of the display panel <NUM> and to pull the bracket connection portion <NUM>, which has been pulled toward the front, toward the rear of the display panel <NUM> in the state in which the shape of the display panel <NUM> is varied to a shape having three curved surface, the middle part of the display panel, which has convexly protruded, is deformed so as to be concave inwards, whereby the shape of the display panel <NUM> is varied to a shape generally having a single curved surface.

Here, when the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> or the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> is pulled or pushed toward the front or the rear of the display panel <NUM> by the variable driving mechanism <NUM> in the state in which the display panel <NUM> has a single curved surface, the shape of the display panel l30 be varied to a shape having two curved surfaces with different origins.

Consequently, it is possible for the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention to vary the shape of the display panel <NUM> having a single curved surface to a shape of the display panel <NUM> having a plurality of curved surfaces, whereby it is possible to provide various visual effects, and it is possible to improve the visual effects and the concentration of attention based on the varied shape.

Hereinafter, a device <NUM> for varying the shape of a display panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration and the same effect as the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel according to the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference symbols.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second embodiment is different in an initial shape of the display panel <NUM> from the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the display panel <NUM> is generally bent in a concave shape when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from the front. In the second embodiment, on the other hand, the display panel <NUM> is generally bent in a convex shape when the display panel is viewed from the front.

In the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel according to the second embodiment, as described above, when the first curved surface receiving portion <NUM> and the second curved surface receiving portion <NUM> are pushed toward the front of the display panel <NUM> about the hinge portion <NUM> by the driving unit <NUM> and the hinge portion <NUM> is pulled toward the rear of the display panel <NUM>, the shape of the display panel <NUM> having a single convex curved surface be varied to a shape of the display panel <NUM> having a plurality of curved surfaces configured such that opposite ends of the display panel are convex and the middle of the display panel is concave.

Hereinafter, a curved display apparatus <NUM> equipped with a device for varying the shape of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The curved display apparatus <NUM> equipped with the device for varying the shape of the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention be used in any of various forms, such as a monitor configured to output an image, digital signage, or a game machine.

As shown in <FIG>, the curved display apparatus <NUM> equipped with the device for varying the shape of the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention include a device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel.

In the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel, a flexible display panel <NUM> be installed at a variable case <NUM> such that the display panel <NUM> is bent into a single curved surface, and the display panel <NUM> be bent such that the shape of the display panel is varied so as to have a plurality of curved surfaces.

The device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel according to any one of the first and second embodiments of the present invention be applied to the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel in this embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The curved display apparatus <NUM> equipped with the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention include a display main body <NUM>.

The display main body <NUM> be configured in a box form, such as a game machine, configured to receive the entirety of the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel in the state in which only the display panel <NUM> is exposed through a sight window, or be configured in a stand form configured to fix the display panel <NUM> in the state in which the display panel stands on the ground.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the curved display apparatus <NUM> equipped with the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention include a panel position changing mechanism <NUM>.

The panel position changing mechanism <NUM> change the position of the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel in the display main body <NUM> such that the position of the display panel is changed in order to achieve visual effects or to prevent falling of the display main body due to change in center of gravity of the display panel when the shape of the display panel is varied by the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel.

For example, when the display main body <NUM> is configured in a stand form, the center of gravity of the display panel <NUM> be changed when the shape of the display panel <NUM> is varied by the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel, whereby the display main body <NUM> fall to the ground. Consequently, the panel position changing mechanism <NUM> change the position of the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel upwards or downwards in the display main body <NUM> based on the varied shape of the display panel <NUM>.

As another example, when the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel varies the shape of the display panel <NUM> based on an image displayed on the display panel <NUM>, the panel position changing mechanism <NUM> move the display panel <NUM> forwards or rearwards or move the display panel in any of various directions, such as an upward direction, a downward direction, a leftward direction, or a rightward direction, in the display main body <NUM>, whereby it is possible to improve visual effects.

Here, a plurality of panel position changing mechanisms <NUM> be installed in the display main body <NUM> depending on the position of the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel to be changed, whereby it is possible to change the position of the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel in various directions using the panel position changing mechanisms <NUM>.

The panel position changing mechanism <NUM> move the entirety of the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel in the display main body <NUM> in order to change the position of the device for varying the shape of the display panel, and the panel position changing mechanism <NUM> be implemented by any one of various mechanical mechanisms, such as a cylinder configured to be operated by pneumatic pressure, hydraulic pressure, or an electric motor, a rack and pinion, link connection, or gear engagement.

Of course, when configuration is made such that the position of the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel is changed in various directions by the plurality of panel position changing mechanisms <NUM>, the panel position changing mechanisms <NUM> be implemented by different mechanical mechanisms.

In the curved display apparatus <NUM> equipped with the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel, configured as described above, the variable driving mechanism <NUM> be operated to vary the shape of the display panel <NUM> having a single curved surface to a shape having a plurality of curved surfaces with different origins based on an image displayed on the display panel <NUM>, or the shape of the display panel <NUM> be varied first by the variable driving mechanism <NUM> and then an image suitable for the varied shape be displayed.

In addition, when the shape of the display panel is varied by the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel, the position of the display panel in the display main body <NUM> be changed by the panel position changing mechanism <NUM>, whereby it is possible to change the center of gravity of the display panel, and therefore it is possible to prevent falling of the display main body and to further improve the visual effects.

Consequently, it is possible for the display apparatus equipped with the device <NUM> for varying the shape of the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention to vary the shape of the display panel <NUM> having a single curved surface to a shape of the display panel <NUM> having a plurality of curved surfaces, whereby it is possible to provide various visual effects, and it is possible to improve the visual effects and the concentration of attention based on the varied shape.

Claim 1:
A device (<NUM>) for varying a shape of a flexible display panel (<NUM>), the device comprising:
a variable case (<NUM>) configured to allow a flexible display panel (<NUM>) to be installed therein, a shape of the variable case (<NUM>) being varied to vary a shape of the display panel (<NUM>); and
a driving unit (<NUM>) installed at the rear of the variable case (<NUM>) and configured to drive the variable case (<NUM>) so as to vary the shape of variable case (<NUM>), wherein the variable case (<NUM>) comprises:
a first curved surface receiving portion (<NUM>) configured to fix one end of the display panel (<NUM>) in a state of being bent in a curved shape;
a second curved surface receiving portion (<NUM>) configured to fix the other end of the display panel (<NUM>) in a state of being bent in a curved shape so as to constitute a single curved surface together with the one end of the display panel (<NUM>); and
a hinge portion (<NUM>) configured to turnably connect the first curved surface receiving portion (<NUM>) and the second curved surface receiving portion (<NUM>) to each other; and wherein the hinge portion (<NUM>), the first curved surface receiving portion (<NUM>), and the second curved surface receiving portion (<NUM>) are configured to be pushed and pulled by the driving unit (<NUM>) in order to vary the shape of the variable case (<NUM>),thereby varying the shape of the flexible display panel (<NUM>) between having a single curved surface and having a plurality of curved surfaces.