Patent ID: 12256504

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIGS.1to3are views schematically illustrating a foldable display set according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.1shows the foldable display set in an unfolded state from the front side,FIG.2shows the foldable display set in the unfolded state from the back side, andFIG.3shows the foldable display set in a folded state from the front side.

As illustrated inFIGS.1to3, the foldable display set according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a foldable display device100and a holding system200.

The foldable display device100may have a relatively large size of, for example, 40 inches or more in diagonal length. A center of a rear surface of the foldable display device100may be fixed to the holding system200. Metal plates180may be provided on the rear surface of the foldable display device100near both ends thereof, for example, near left and right ends, respectively.

The holding system200may include a holder210, a support portion250, and a handle portion260.

The holder210is a body part on which the foldable display device100may be fixed and may have a prism shape including a front surface and two side surfaces, that is, a triangular pillar shape. The rear surface of the foldable display device100may be fixed to the front surface of the holder210. A plurality of components for folding or unfolding the foldable display device100may be provided inside the holder210and may be surrounded and protected by a cover. These components will be described in more detail later.

The support portion250may be provided at a lower end of the holder210to support the holder210. The support portion250may include at least three legs, and each leg may be provided at a respective portion where two surfaces of the holder210meet.

The handle portion260may be provided at an upper end of the holder210. The handle portion260may be used to move the foldable display device100, for example, in the folded state.

As shown inFIGS.1and2, the foldable display device100may display an image in the unfolded state in which the center portion may be fixed to the front surface of the holder210and both ends may be disposed on the same plane as the center portion so that a display surface is flat.

On the other hand, as shown inFIG.3, when the foldable display device100is in the folded state, the center portion thereof may be fixed to the front surface of the holder210, and both ends thereof may be fixed to the side surfaces of the holder210, thereby forming a substantially triangular pillar shape. Accordingly, it is possible to store and/or move the foldable display device100more conveniently by reducing the size. In this case, the metal plates180of the foldable display device100may be fixed to magnetic units inside the holder210, and this will be described in detail later.

FIG.4is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the foldable display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.5is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel of the foldable display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure and shows one pixel region.

InFIG.4, the foldable display device100according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel110, a middle cabinet150, a back cover160and170, and metal plates180.

The display panel110may display an image. The display panel110may be an electroluminescent display panel including a light-emitting diode and a thin film transistor.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.5, a shield pattern121of a conductive material, such as metal, may be formed on a substrate111. The substrate111may be formed of a material having flexibility and may be a glass substrate or a plastic substrate. For example, polyimide may be used as the plastic substrate, but the embodiments or the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The shield pattern121may be formed of at least one of aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), tungsten (W), and an alloy thereof and may have a single-layer or multiple-layer structure. For example, the shield pattern121may have a double-layer structure including a lower layer of molybdenum titanium (MoTi) and an upper layer of copper (Cu), and the upper layer may have a larger thickness than the lower layer.

A buffer layer112of an insulating material may be formed on the shield pattern121. The buffer layer112may be disposed substantially on an entire surface of the substrate111. The buffer layer112may be formed of an inorganic material, such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiNx), and may include a single layer or multiple layers.

A semiconductor layer122may be formed on the buffer layer112and be patterned. The semiconductor layer122may be disposed to overlap the shield pattern121. The semiconductor layer122may be formed of an oxide semiconductor material. In this case, the shield pattern121may block light incident on the semiconductor layer122and may help prevent the semiconductor layer122from deteriorating due to such incident light.

Alternatively, the semiconductor layer122may be formed of polycrystalline silicon, and both ends of the semiconductor layer122may be doped with impurities. In this case, the shield pattern121may be omitted.

A gate insulation layer113of an insulating material may formed on the semiconductor layer122substantially over the entire surface of the substrate111. The gate insulation layer113may be formed of an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiNx). If the semiconductor layer122is made of an oxide semiconductor material, the gate insulation layer113may be formed of silicon oxide (SiO2). Alternatively, if the semiconductor layer122is made of polycrystalline silicon, the gate insulation layer113may be formed of silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiNx).

A gate electrode123of a conductive material, such as metal, may be formed on the gate insulation layer113corresponding to the center of the semiconductor layer122. The gate electrode123may be formed of at least one of aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), tungsten (W), and an alloy thereof and may have a single-layer or multiple-layer structure. For example, the gate electrode123may have a double-layer structure including a lower layer of molybdenum titanium (MoTi) and an upper layer of copper (Cu), and the upper layer may have a larger thickness than the lower layer.

In addition, a gate line (not shown) may be formed on the gate insulation layer113through the same process as the gate electrode123. The gate line may extend in a first direction and may be connected to the gate electrode123.

In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the gate insulation layer113may be formed substantially over the entire surface of the substrate111. However, alternatively, the gate insulation layer113may be patterned to have the same shape as the gate electrode123.

An interlayer insulation layer114made of an insulating material may be formed on the gate electrode123substantially over the entire surface of the substrate111. The interlayer insulation layer114may be formed of an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiNx). Alternatively, the interlayer insulation layer114may be formed of an organic insulating material, such as photo acryl or benzocyclobutene.

The interlayer insulation layer114may have first and second contact holes113aand113brespectively exposing a top surface of the semiconductor layer122near both ends. The first and second contact holes113aand113bmay be disposed respectively at both sides of the gate electrode123and may be spaced apart from the gate electrode123. The first and second contact holes113aand113bmay also be formed in the gate insulation layer113. Alternatively, if the gate insulation layer113is patterned to have the same shape as the gate electrode123, the first and second contact holes113aand113bmay be formed only in the interlayer insulation layer114.

Source and drain electrodes124and125of a conductive material, such as metal, may be formed on the interlayer insulation layer114. The source and drain electrodes124and125may be formed of at least one of aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), tungsten (W), and an alloy thereof and may have a single-layer or multiple-layer structure. For example, the source and drain electrodes124and125may have a double-layer structure including a lower layer of molybdenum titanium (MoTi) and an upper layer of copper (Cu), and the upper layer may have a larger thickness than the lower layer. Alternatively, the source and drain electrodes124and125may have a triple-layer structure.

In addition, a data line (not shown) and a power supply line (not shown) may be further formed on the interlayer insulation layer114and may be formed through the same process as the source and drain electrodes124and125.

The source and drain electrodes124and125may be spaced apart from each other with the gate electrode123positioned therebetween and may be in contact with both ends of the semiconductor layer122through the first and second contact holes113aand113b, respectively.

Although not shown in the figure, the data line may extend in a second direction and crossed the gate line, thereby defining a pixel region. The power supply line for supplying a high potential voltage may be spaced apart from the data line.

The semiconductor layer122, the gate electrode123, and the source and drain electrodes124and125may form a thin film transistor T. The thin film transistor T may have a coplanar structure in which the gate electrode123and the source and drain electrodes124and125are located at the same side with respect to the semiconductor layer122.

Alternatively, the thin film transistor T may have an inverted staggered structure in which the gate electrode and the source and drain electrodes are located at different sides with respect to the semiconductor layer. That is, the gate electrode may be disposed under the semiconductor layer, and the source and drain electrodes may be disposed over the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer may be formed of oxide semiconductor or amorphous silicon.

Meanwhile, one or more thin film transistors having substantially the same structure as the thin film transistor T can be further formed on the substrate111.

A passivation layer115of an insulating material may be formed on the source and drain electrodes124and125substantially over the entire surface of the substrate111. The passivation layer115may be formed of an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiNx).

A planarization layer116of an insulating material may be formed on the passivation layer115substantially over the entire surface of the substrate111. The planarization layer116may be formed of an organic insulating material, such as photo acryl or benzocyclobutene. The planarization layer116may have a flat top surface.

The planarization layer116and the passivation layer115may have a drain contact hole116aexposing the drain electrode125. The drain contact hole116amay be spaced apart from the second contact hole113b. Alternatively, the drain contact hole116amay be disposed right over the second contact hole113b.

A first electrode132may formed on the planarization layer116and may be formed of a conductive material having relatively high work function. The first electrode132may be disposed in the pixel region and be in contact with the drain electrode125through the drain contact hole116a. For example, the first electrode132may be formed of a transparent conductive material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but is not limited thereto.

The electroluminescent display panel according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may be a top emission type in which a light-emitting diode is configured to output light toward a direction away from the substrate111. Accordingly, the first electrode132may further include a reflective electrode or a reflective layer, formed of a metal material having a relatively high reflectance, below the transparent conductive material. For example, the reflective electrode or reflective layer may be formed of an aluminum-palladium-copper (APC) alloy, silver (Ag), or aluminum (Al). The first electrode132may have a triple-layer structure of ITO/APC/ITO, ITO/Ag/ITO or ITO/Al/ITO, but is not limited thereto.

A bank117of an insulating material may be formed on the first electrode132. The bank117may overlap and cover lateral edges of the first electrode132and may expose a central portion of the first electrode132.

At least a top surface of the bank117may be hydrophobic, and a side surface of the bank117may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic. The bank117may be formed of an organic insulating material having a hydrophobic property. Alternatively, the bank117may be formed of an organic insulating material having a hydrophilic property and may be subjected to a hydrophobic treatment.

In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the bank117may have a single structure including a single bank. However, the bank117may have a dual structure. That is, the bank117may have a dual structure including a hydrophilic bank of a lower portion and a hydrophobic bank of an upper portion.

Next, a light-emitting layer134may be formed on the first electrode132exposed through the bank117.

Although not shown in the figure, the light-emitting layer134may include a first charge auxiliary layer, a light-emitting material layer, and a second charge auxiliary layer sequentially disposed over the first electrode132. The light-emitting material layer may be formed of any one of red, green, and blue luminescent materials, but is not limited thereto. The luminescent material may be an organic luminescent material, such as a phosphorescent compound or a fluorescent compound, or may be an inorganic luminescent material, such as a quantum dot.

The first charge auxiliary layer may be a hole auxiliary layer, and the hole auxiliary layer may include at least one of a hole injecting layer (HIL) and a hole transporting layer (HTL). In addition, the second charge auxiliary layer may be an electron auxiliary layer, and the electron auxiliary layer may include at least one of an electron injecting layer (EIL) and an electron transporting layer (ETL). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The light-emitting layer134may be formed through a solution process or an evaporation process. If the light-emitting layer134is formed through the solution process, a height of the light-emitting layer134in the region adjacent to the bank117may rise higher closer to the bank117.

A second electrode136of a conductive material having relatively low work function may be formed on the light-emitting layer134substantially over the entire surface of the substrate111. The second electrode136may be formed of aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy thereof. The second electrode136may have a relatively small thickness such that light from the light-emitting layer134may be transmitted therethrough. Alternatively, the second electrode136may be formed of a transparent conductive material, such as indium-gallium-oxide (IGO), but is not limited thereto.

The first electrode132, the light-emitting layer134, and the second electrode136may constitute a light-emitting diode De. The first electrode132may serve as an anode, and the second electrode136may serve as a cathode, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

As described above, the electroluminescent display panel according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may be a top emission type display panel in which light from the light-emitting layer134of the light-emitting diode De is output toward a direction away from the substrate111, that is, output to the outside through the second electrode136. The top emission type display panel may have a wider emission area than a bottom emission type display panel of the same size, to thereby improve luminance and reduce power consumption.

In addition, an encapsulation layer (not shown) may be formed on the second electrode136substantially over the entire surface of the substrate111to block moisture or oxygen introduced from the outside, thereby protecting the light-emitting diode De.

As shown inFIG.4, the middle cabinet150may be disposed on a rear surface of the display panel110with respect to an X direction. The middle cabinet150may support the display panel110and may have a rectangular frame shape. The middle cabinet150may be formed of metal or plastic.

The back cover160and170may be disposed on a rear surface of the middle cabinet150. The back cover160and170may protect the display panel110and may include a first back cover160and a second back cover170to implement folding characteristics. The first back cover160may be disposed between the middle cabinet150and the second back cover170.

In addition, each of the first back cover160and the second back cover170may be formed of a plurality of separated parts to improve the folding characteristics. For example, the first back cover160may be separated into three parts connected by elastic springs160aand may further include portions connecting upper and lower ends on a rear surface thereof. On the other hand, the second back cover170may be separated into two parts. A plurality of guide rails170a, which extend in a Y direction and are spaced apart from each other in a Z direction, may be provided in each part of the second back cover170. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first and second back covers160and170may have various alternative structures capable of improving the folding characteristics.

The first back cover160may be formed of plastic or metal. For example, the metal may be aluminum or stainless steel.

Meanwhile, the second back cover170may be formed of metal. For example, the second back cover170may be formed of aluminum.

Two metal plates180may be disposed on a rear surface of the second back cover170. The metal plates180may extend in the Z direction and may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. Each metal plate180may be disposed between the edge of the second back cover170and the guide rails170a, may be spaced apart from the guide rails170a, and may be fixed to the rear surface of the second back cover170. In this case, the metal plates180may be attached to the rear surface of the second back cover170through an adhesive member.

The metal plates180may be formed of a magnetic metal. For example, the metal plates180may be formed of iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), or cobalt (Co), but is not limited thereto.

The configuration of the holder for fixing the foldable display device100in the unfolded state and the folded state will be described in more detail with reference toFIGS.6to8.

FIG.6is a schematic top view of the holder for the foldable display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.7is a schematic perspective view of the holder for the foldable display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.8is a schematic perspective view of the example holder illustrated inFIG.7excluding front and side plates.FIG.7andFIG.8show the support portion under the holder together, and the holder will be described together with reference toFIG.4.

As shown inFIGS.6to8, the holder210according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a shield portion, a driving portion, and a state conversion portion. The shield portion may include a front plate212and side plates214. The driving portion may include a motor222, gears224, shafts226, and rotational arms228. The driving portion may also include a frame220to support or house various components, including, e.g., the motor222, gears224, and shafts226. The state conversion portion may include fixing plates232, moving plates234, magnetic units236, and restoration units238. Here, the front plate212may be disposed at the front, the motor222may disposed at the center inside the holder210, and other components may be disposed symmetrically in the Y direction with respect to the motor222. For convenience of explanation, only one set of the symmetrical components will be described in more detail.

Specifically, the front plate212of the shield portion may be located on the front side of the holder210, and the side plate214may be located on the side surface of the holder210. Here, the front plate212may be parallel to the YZ plane in the context of the figure.

The front plate212may be a part to which the foldable display device100is assembled. The front plate212may maintain rigidity and may separate the foldable display device100from the driving portion so that the foldable display device100is prevented from being contaminated by particles from the motor222or the gear224of the driving portion. The front plate212may have holes corresponding to the guide rails170aof the second back cover170of the foldable display device100. The front plate212may be formed of plastic or metal.

The side plate214may serve as a partition between the metal plate180of the foldable display device100and the magnetic unit236for controlling the magnetic force of the magnetic units236. The side plate214may be formed of plastic and may be omitted.

The driving portion and the state conversion portion may be located the inside of the holder210surrounded by the front plate212and the side plates214.

Here, the motor222of the driving portion may be located in the center of the rear surface of the front plate212in the X direction. The motor222may generate a rotational force having a rotational axis in the Y direction.

The shaft226may be located at each of both sides of the motor222in the Y direction. The shaft226may extend in the Z direction and may rotate with respect to a rotational axis in the Z direction. The shaft226may be connected to the motor222through the gear224.

The gear224may transmit the rotational force of the motor222to the shaft226. The gear224may be a bevel gear that transmits power between two intersecting axes. The gear224may include a first gear connected to the motor222and a second gear connected to the shaft226. The gear224may change the rotational force having the rotational axis in the Y direction from the motor222into the rotational force having the rotational axis in the Z direction and may transmit the rotational force to the shaft226, thereby rotating the shaft226with respect to the rotational axis in the Z direction.

At least one rotational arm228may be connected to the shaft226. The shaft226may transmit the rotational force of the motor222received from the gear224to the rotational arm228. The rotational arm228may substantially have a length and a width in the XY plane and may be disposed such that the length is parallel to the X direction. When the shaft226rotates, the rotational arm228may rotate together on the XY plane.

For example, three rotational arms228may be connected to one shaft226. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the number of the rotational arms228may be changed.

Next, the state conversion portion may be provided to be spaced apart from the shaft226. As described above, the state conversion portion may include the fixing plate232, the moving plate234, the magnetic unit236, and the restoration unit238.

The fixing plate232may be fixed to the driving portion, e.g., to the frame220. The fixing plate232may support the moving plate234and the magnetic unit236. The fixing plate232may be formed of plastic or metal.

The moving plate234may be placed on the fixing plate232and may move horizontally relative to the fixing plate232. The moving plate234may be formed of plastic or metal.

The fixing plate232and the moving plate234may be parallel to the side plate214. That is, the fixing plate232and the moving plate234may be parallel to the side surface of the holder210.

At least one magnetic unit236may be fixed to the moving plate234. The position of the magnetic unit236may be changed by the movement of the moving plate234. The magnetic unit236may be fixed to the moving plates234through a screw. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the magnetic unit236may be fixed to the moving plate234through an adhesive member or a structural fastening member.

The magnetic unit236may include a magnet. For example, the magnet may be formed of neodymium (Nd) and may be a Sarah magnet having a screw hole for fixing to the moving plate234. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Although is the figures illustrate three magnetic units236provided on the moving plate234, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of the magnetic units236may vary.

Meanwhile, the restoration unit238may be connected to the fixing plate232and the moving plate234. The restoration unit238may have an elastic force and may provide a restoring force to the moving plate234that has moved. For example, the restoration unit238may include one or more elastic springs, and two elastic springs may be provided between the fixing plate232and the moving plate234.

Accordingly, when a force is applied, the moving plate234may move in one direction on the fixing plate232, thereby changing the position of the magnetic unit236. When the force is removed, the moving plate234may move on the fixing plate232in the opposite direction by the restoration unit238, thereby returning the magnetic unit236to its original position.

The fixing plate232and the moving plate234may respectively include a plurality of holes and protrusions corresponding to each other for coupling and relative movement, which will be described in more detail later.

The movement of the moving plate234may be performed by the rotational arm228. The rotational arm228of the holder210for the foldable display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference toFIG.9.

FIG.9is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the rotational arm of the holder for the foldable display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated inFIG.9, the rotational arm228may include a first arm part228a, a second arm part228b, and a third arm part228c.

The first arm part228aand the second arm part228bmay be vertically disposed from each other along the Z direction in the illustrated orientation of the figure, may be symmetrical to each other with respect to the XY plane, and may be fixed to the third arm part228c. Each of the first arm part228aand the second arm part228bmay include first, second, and third parts2281,2282, and2283.

The first part2281may be parallel to the XY plane, and a length in the X direction may be greater than a length in the Y direction, that is, a width.

Here, the first part2281may have a first end and a second end opposite each other in the X direction and a third end and a fourth end opposite each other in the Y direction. The second part2282may be connected to the first end of the first part2281, and the third arm part228cmay be disposed at the second end of the first part2281. In addition, the third parts2283may be connected to the third and fourth ends of the first part2281, respectively. The second part2282and the third parts2283may be perpendicular to the first part2281.

The second part2282may be a part coupled to the guide rail170aof the second back cover170of the foldable display device100illustrated, e.g., inFIG.4. In order to facilitate coupling, a width of the second part2282may be smaller than a width of the first part2281along the Y direction. In this case, the width of the first part2281may decrease toward the first end. Thus, a width of the first end of the first part2281may be smaller than a width of the second end.

The third parts2283may be parts fixed to the third arm part228c, and a length of each third part2283may be longer than that of the first part2281in the X direction. In this case, the third parts2283may extend beyond the second end of the first part2281. Accordingly, the third arm part228cmay be disposed between two third parts2283.

The third arm part228cmay be a part fixed to the shaft226shown, e.g., inFIG.8and may have a hole through which the shaft226passes in the Z direction as illustrated, e.g., inFIG.8. The third arm part228cmay have a substantially cube shape.

The first and second arm parts228aand228bof the rotational arm228may be disposed such that their respective first parts2281may be in contact with each other and be fixed to each other. The first and second arm parts228aand228bmay be fixed to the third arm part228cthrough their respective third parts2283and may be fixed to the shaft226shown, e.g., inFIG.8through the third arm part228c. In this case, fastening members, such as screws, may be used for fixing. The respective first parts2281of the first and second arm parts228aand228b, the respective third parts2283of the first and second arm parts228aand228b, and the third arm part228cmay have holes corresponding to the fastening members.

Next, the fixing plate and moving plate according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.10-12.

FIG.10is a view schematically illustrating the fixing plate and the moving plate attached to each other in the holder for the foldable display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure and shows the magnetic unit and the restoration unit together.FIG.11is a view schematically illustrating the fixing plate of the holder for the foldable display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.12is a view schematically illustrating the moving plate of the holder for the foldable display device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIGS.10-12, the moving plate234may be disposed on the fixing plate232, the magnetic unit236may be fixed onto the moving plate234, and the restoration unit238may be connected to the fixing plate232and the moving plate234.

The fixing plate232may include at least one first fixing hole232a, at least one first fixing protrusion232b, at least one first connection part232c, at least one second fixing protrusion232d, and at least one second fixing hole232e. The moving plate234may include at least one moving hole234a, at least one first protrusion hole234b, at least one connection hole234c, at least one second protrusion hole234d, and at least one second connection part234e.

The first fixing hole232amay correspond to the moving hole234a. The first fixing protrusion232bmay correspond to the first protrusion hole234b. The first connection part232cmay correspond to the connection hole234c. The second fixing protrusion232dmay correspond to the second protrusion hole234d. Also, although not shown in the figures, the second fixing hole232emay correspond to a moving protrusion which may be provided on a rear surface of the moving plate234. In addition, the second connection part234emay correspond to the first connection part232cand the connection hole234c.

Each of the fixing plate232and the moving plate234may have a symmetrical structure in the vertical direction in the illustrated orientation of the figures.

The first fixing hole232amay be provided at one lateral edge of the fixing plate232adjacent to the rotational arm228, that is, a first lateral edge adjacent to the shaft226illustrated, e.g., inFIG.8. One side of the fixing hole232amay be open. The first fixing hole232amay be disposed to correspond to the rotational arm228shown, e.g., inFIG.8, and may serve as a movement path of the rotational arm228for the movement of the moving plate234. Accordingly, the first fixing hole232amay be provided in the same number as the rotational arm228illustrated, e.g., inFIG.8. For example, one first fixing hole232amay be disposed in each of upper, middle, and lower regions of the fixing plate232. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the respective number of the first fixing hole232aand of the rotational arm228shown, e.g., inFIG.8, may vary depending on the size of the foldable display device100shown, e.g., inFIG.4.

The first and second fixing protrusions232band232dmay be disposed to be spaced apart from each other vertically and horizontally between the adjacent first fixing holes232a, for example, as illustrated inFIG.11. The first connection part232cand the second fixing hole232emay be disposed to be spaced apart from each other horizontally between the first and second fixing protrusions232band232d.

The first fixing protrusion232bmay be disposed in the first protrusion hole234bof the moving plate234to prevent the moving plate234from being separated from the fixing plate232and to guide the movement of the moving plate234.

The first connection part232cmay be exposed through the connection hole234cof the moving plate234and may be connected to one end of the restoration unit238. The first connection part232cmay be preferably disposed near the first edge of the fixing plate232adjacent to the shaft226shown, e.g., inFIG.8.

The second fixing protrusion232dmay be disposed in the second protrusion hole234dof the moving plate234to prevent the moving plate234from being separated from the fixing plate232and to guide the movement of the moving plate234.

Meanwhile, as described above, the second fixing hole232emay correspond to the moving protrusion (not shown) provided on the rear surface of the moving plate234. Thus, the second fixing hole232emay serve as a movement path of the moving protrusion. The second fixing hole232emay be located at an inner portion of the fixing plate232and may have a closed shape.

Next, the moving hole234amay be provided at one lateral edge of the moving plate234adjacent to the rotational arm228, that is, at an edge adjacent to the shaft226shown, e.g., inFIG.8. One side of the moving hole234amay be open. The moving hole234amay be disposed over the first fixing hole232ato correspond to the rotational arm228shown, e.g., inFIG.8. When the rotational arm228moves, the rotational arm228may be disposed in the first fixing hole232aand the moving hole234aand may apply a force to one side of the moving hole while rotating in the first fixing hole232a, so that the moving plate234is moved. Thus, the horizontal length of the moving hole234amay be smaller than that of the first fixing hole232a.

The first and second protrusion holes234band234dmay be disposed to be spaced apart from each other vertically and horizontally between the adjacent moving holes234a. The connection hole234cand the second connection part234emay be disposed to be spaced apart from each other horizontally between the first and second protrusion holes234band234d.

The first protrusion hole234bmay be provided at one edge of the moving plate234adjacent to the shaft226(shown, e.g., inFIG.8). One side of the first protrusion hole234bmay be open. The first protrusion hole234bmay serve as a movement path of the first fixing protrusion232bof the fixing plate232.

The connection hole234cnay expose the first connection part232cof the fixing plate232. One side of the connection hole234cmay be open.

The second protrusion hole234dmay serve as a movement path of the second fixing protrusion of the fixing plate232. The second protrusion hole234dmay be located in an inner portion of the moving plate234and may have a closed shape.

The second connection part234emay be connected to the other end of the restoration unit238shown, e.g., inFIG.10. It is preferable that the second connection part234ebe horizontally spaced apart from the connection hole234ctoward the other edge of the moving plate234away from the shaft226(shown, e.g., inFIG.8).

Meanwhile, the magnetic unit236may be disposed on the moving plate234to be adjacent to the other edge of the moving plate234. To fix the magnetic unit236, a portion of the moving plate234where the magnetic unit236is disposed may be thicker than the other portions. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the portion of the moving plate234where the magnetic unit236is disposed may have the same thickness as the other portions.

The moving plate234may horizontally move on the fixing plate232by rotation of the rotational arm228(shown, e.g., inFIG.8), thereby changing the position of the magnetic unit236. In addition, the rotational arm228may change the state of the foldable display device100(shown, e.g., inFIG.4) by rotating, and the foldable display device100in the folded state may be stably fixed by the magnetic unit236.

The change between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable display device100(shown, e.g., inFIG.4) will described in more detail with reference toFIGS.13to18.

FIG.13is a schematic top view of the foldable display device and the holder in the unfolded state according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.14is a schematic top view of the foldable display device and the holder in the folded state according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.15is a view schematically illustrating a coupling relationship between the foldable display device100and the rotational arm228in the unfolded state according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.16is a view schematically illustrating a coupling relationship between the foldable display device100and the rotational arm228in the folded state according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.17is a view schematically illustrating a positional relationship between the rotational arm228, the moving plate234, and the magnetic unit236in the unfolded state according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.18is a view schematically illustrating a positional relationship between the rotational arm228, the moving plate234, and the magnetic unit236in the folded state according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Here,FIG.15andFIG.16correspond to cross-sections with respect to the second arm part228b(see, e.g.,FIG.9) of the rotational arm228, and for convenience of illustration, the foldable display device100is illustrated to include only the display panel110and the second back cover170. In addition, the operation of one side of the foldable display device and the holder illustrated inFIG.13andFIG.14is described, and the other side thereof operates symmetrically with respect to the right side.

As shown inFIG.13,FIG.15, andFIG.17, in the unfolded state, the foldable display device100may display an image, and the rotational arm228may be coupled to the foldable display device100with its length disposed parallel to the X direction and the second part2282facing the front plate212. In this case, the second part2282of the rotational arm228may be coupled to the guide rail170aof the second back cover170, and the second part2282may be disposed between the display panel110and the second back cover170.

In addition, the moving plate234may be spaced apart from the rotational arm228and be disposed on the first edge side of the fixing plate232. Accordingly, the magnetic unit236fixed to the moving plate234may also be disposed in a first position, as illustrated, e.g., inFIG.17.

Next, to move the foldable display device100from the unfolded state to the folded state, the rotational force generated by the motor222(shown, e.g., inFIG.8) may be transmitted to the shaft226through the gear224(shown, e.g., inFIG.8), and the shaft226may rotate in one direction. Accordingly, as shown inFIG.14,FIG.16, andFIG.18, the rotational arm228fixed to the shaft226may also rotate. Here, the shaft226and the rotational arm228on the right side may rotate counterclockwise on the XY plane. At this time, the rotational arm228may rotate along the guide rail170a. Thus, the foldable display device100coupled to the rotational arm228may be curved and be folded.

In this case, the rotated rotational arm228may be inserted into the moving hole234aof the moving plate234to contact the moving plate234and may apply a counterclockwise force to the moving plate234. The moving plate234may be moved from the first edge to the second edge of the fixing plate232by the force applied from the rotational arm228. Accordingly, the magnetic unit236fixed to the moving plate234may also be moved and be placed in a second position, as illustrated, e.g., inFIG.18.

In addition, a length of the restoration unit238fixed to the fixing plate232and the moving plate234may be increased by the movement of the moving plate234, so that the restoration unit238may have an elastic force.

In this case, a distance between the magnetic unit236in the second position and the metal plate180(shown, e.g., inFIG.4) on the rear surface of the second back cover170of the foldable display device100in the folded state may decrease so that the metal plate180may be fixed to the magnetic unit236by a strong magnetic force between the metal plate180and the magnetic unit236. Thus, the foldable display device100may stably maintain the folded state.

On the other hand, when the foldable display device100in the folded state is changed to the unfolded state, the shaft226(shown, e.g., inFIG.8) and the rotational arm228on the right side may rotate clockwise on the XY plane due to the rotational force generated by the motor222(shown, e.g., inFIG.8). Accordingly, the foldable display device100coupled to the rotational arm228may be unfolded by a repulsive force.

In addition, the counterclockwise force applied by the rotational arm228to the moving plate234may be removed, and the moving plate234may be moved from the second edge to the first edge of the fixing plate232by the elastic force of the restoration unit238. Accordingly, the magnetic unit236fixed to the moving plate234may also be moved and be placed in the first position again. In this case, the distance between the magnetic unit236in the first position and the metal plate180(shown, e.g., inFIG.4) on the rear surface of the second back cover170of the foldable display device100may increases, and the magnetic force between the metal plate180and the magnetic unit236may be weakened. Accordingly, the foldable display device100may easily be unfolded.

As described above, by using the rotational arm228, the fixing plate232, the moving plate234, and the magnetic unit236, the foldable display device100according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may be easily unfolded and folded and may stably maintain the folded state.

In the present disclosure, the foldable display device having a relatively large size may be easily changed into the unfolded state and the folded state by using the holding system.

In addition, by fixing the foldable display device in the folded state using the magnetic unit whose position may be changed, it is possible to stably maintain the foldable display device having a relatively large size in the folded state.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure can also be described as follows:

A foldable display set according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a foldable display device; and a holding system on a rear surface of the foldable display device and configured to fold and unfold the foldable display device. Here, the holding system includes: a motor configured to generate a rotational force; a rotational arm configured to be rotated by the rotational force of the motor to fold and unfold the foldable display device; a fixing plate spaced apart from the rotational arm with the foldable display device in an unfolded state; a moving plate on the fixing plate and configured to be moved with respect to the fixing plate by the rotational arm; and a magnetic unit fixed on the moving plate. Also, the foldable display device in a folded state may be fixed to the magnetic unit via a magnetic force.

In some example embodiments, the foldable display device may include a metal plate on the rear surface of the foldable display device, and the metal plate may be fixed to the magnetic unit via the magnetic force with the foldable display device in the folded state.

In some example embodiments, the foldable display device may include a guide rail on the rear surface of the foldable display device, and the rotational arm may be coupled to the guide rail and is configured to rotate along the guide rail to fold and unfold the foldable display device.

In some example embodiments, the fixing plate may include a fixing hole and a fixing protrusion, and the moving plate may include a moving hole and a protrusion hole. The moving hole may be disposed over the fixing hole, and the fixing protrusion may be disposed in the protrusion hole.

In some example embodiments, each of the fixing hole and the moving hole may be open on one side, and the moving hole may have a smaller width than the fixing hole horizontally.

In some example embodiments, the rotational arm may be configured to be disposed in the fixing hole and the moving hole and to rotate in the fixing hole to move the moving plate to move the foldable display device to the folded state.

In some example embodiments, the holding system may further include: a shaft configured to be rotated by the rotational force of the motor, the rotational arm being connected to the shaft; and a gear for transmitting the rotational force of the motor to the shaft.

In some example embodiments, the holding system may further include a frame to house at least the motor, and the fixing plate may be connected to the frame.

In some example embodiments, with the foldable display device in the unfolded state, the moving plate and the magnetic unit may be in a first position with respect to the fixing plate. With the foldable display device in the folded state, the moving plate and the magnetic unit may be in a second position with respect to the fixing plate, the magnetic unit being fixed to the foldable display device.

In some example embodiments, the magnetic unit may not be fixed via the magnetic force to the foldable display device in the unfolded state.

In some example embodiments, the holding system may further include a restoration unit having one end connected to the fixing plate and another end connected to the moving plate. The restoration unit may have a greater length with the moving plate and the magnetic unit in the second position than in the first position.

In some example embodiments, the holding system may further include a front plate between the motor and the foldable display device, and the foldable display device may be fixed to the front plate.

In some example embodiments, the front plate of the holding system may be fixed to a center portion of the foldable display device in the unfolded state and in the folded state.

In some example embodiments, the rotational arm may be configured to be rotated by the rotational force of the motor to fold and unfold a lateral side portion of the foldable display device, and the magnetic unit may be fixed via the magnetic force to the lateral side portion of the foldable display device in the folded state.

In another example embodiment of the present disclosure, a holding system for a foldable display device may include: a frame; a motor housed in the frame and configured to generate a rotational force; a rotational arm configured to be rotated by the rotational force of the motor; a fixing plate connected to the frame and spaced apart from the rotational arm; a moving plate on the fixing plate and configured to be moved with respect to the fixing plate by the rotational arm; and a magnetic unit fixed on the moving plate, wherein the moving plate and the magnetic unit may be configured to be moved by the rotational arm between a first position and a second position with respect to the fixing plate.

In some example embodiments, the holding system may further include: a restoration unit having one end connected to the fixing plate and another end connected to the moving plate, wherein the restoration unit may have a greater length with the moving plate and the magnetic unit in the second position than in the first position.

In some example embodiments, the fixing plate may include a fixing hole and a fixing protrusion, and the moving plate may include a moving hole and a protrusion hole. The moving hole may be disposed over the fixing hole, and the fixing protrusion may be disposed in the protrusion hole.

In some example embodiments, each of the fixing hole and the moving hole may be open on one side, and the moving hole may have a smaller width than the fixing hole horizontally.

In some example embodiments, the rotational arm may be configured to be disposed in the fixing hole and the moving hole and to rotate in the fixing hole to move the moving plate from the first position to the second position.

In some example embodiments, the holding system may further include: a shaft configured to be rotated by the rotational force of the motor, the rotational arm being connected to the shaft; and a gear for transmitting the rotational force of the motor to the shaft.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the holding system and the display device of the present disclosure without departing from the technical idea or scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that embodiments of the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of the disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.