WO2021020631A1 - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application provides a mobile terminal having a flexible display. The present application may provide a mobile terminal comprising: a first body which includes a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface; a second body which is rotatably provided at the first body and includes a third surface and a fourth surface facing the third surface; a hinge which is configured to couple the first and second bodies, rotate the first and second bodies in first and second directions, respectively, to allow the first and third surfaces to come close to each other, and rotate the first and second bodies in third and fourth directions, respectively, to allow the second and fourth surfaces to come close to each other; and a display which is provided throughout the first and third surfaces and is configured to be exposed to the outside when the first and second bodies are rotated while the second and fourth surfaces face each other, and to be concealed when the first and second bodies are rotated while the first and third surfaces face each other.

Description

Mobile terminal

The present application relates to a mobile terminal, and to a foldable mobile terminal configured to adjust the size of an available display or screen.

Terminals can be divided into mobile/portable terminals and stationary terminals depending on whether they can be moved. Again, mobile terminals can be divided into handheld terminals and vehicle mounted terminals depending on whether the user can directly carry them.

The functions of mobile terminals are diversifying. For example, there are functions of data and voice communication, taking pictures and videos through a camera, recording voice, playing music files through a speaker system, and outputting images or videos to the display unit. Some terminals add an electronic game play function or perform a multimedia player function. In particular, recent mobile terminals can receive multicast signals providing visual content such as broadcasting and video or television programs. In order to perform such extended functions, the mobile terminal is basically connected to other devices or networks using various communication protocols, and provides a user with ubiquitous computing. That is, mobile terminals have evolved into smart devices that enable connectivity to a network and always-on computing.

On the other hand, in recent years, a flexible display that has sufficient elasticity and is capable of large deformation has been developed. Such a flexible display can be repeatedly folded or unfolded. The mobile terminal may be configured to have a foldable body that can be folded or unfolded, and the flexible display may be installed on such a body. Accordingly, when the body is folded or unfolded, the flexible display can also be folded or unfolded, and the mobile terminal can have a display or screen that can be adjusted in size. On the other hand, in order to implement a foldable body, for example, a mechanical mechanism such as a hinge is required. However, the mechanical mechanism has a complex and large size for smooth folding and unfolding of the mobile terminal body. Therefore, the mechanical mechanism for the foldable structure increases the size of the mobile terminal and may place many restrictions on the design of the mobile terminal.

An object of the present application is to provide a mobile terminal having a simple and compact foldable mechanism.

Another object of the present application is to provide a mobile terminal having a foldable mechanism that performs smooth folding and unfolding.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the present application includes a first body including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; A second body provided rotatably on the first body and including a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface; The first and second bodies are coupled, and the first and second bodies are rotated in the first and second directions so that the first and third surfaces are close to each other, and the second and fourth surfaces are close to each other. A hinge configured to rotate the first and second bodies in third and fourth directions, respectively; And provided over the first and third surfaces, the first and second bodies are exposed to the outside when the second and fourth surfaces rotate to face each other, and the first and second bodies are exposed to the first and second bodies. It is possible to provide a mobile terminal including a display configured to be hidden when the third surfaces rotate to face each other.

Adjacent side portions of the first and second bodies may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval, and the hinge may be disposed between the side portions of the first and second bodies.

The hinge includes: a block assembly including a plurality of blocks extending in the longitudinal direction of the first and second bodies and arranged in parallel with each other; And a link assembly provided at ends of the blocks and configured to connect the blocks to each other. Each of the blocks may include a body configured to support the display and axes extending from both ends of the body.

When the first and second bodies are relatively rotated so that the second and fourth sides are close, the block assembly may be configured to retract, and for this purpose, the blocks are configured to reduce the spacing between them. I can. In addition, when the first and second bodies are relatively rotated so that the first and third surfaces become close, the block assembly may be configured to expand, and for this purpose, the blocks increase the spacing therebetween. Can be configured. In more detail, each of the blocks may have a cross section that gradually decreases while extending toward the second and fourth surfaces.

The link assembly includes: a first link connecting a pair of blocks adjacent to each other; And a second link connecting two pairs of blocks disposed adjacent to each other while being connected by the first link, respectively.

In addition, the hinge is configured to be movable between the first and second bodies, and moving the first and second bodies in the first and second directions so that the first and third surfaces face each other. It may further include a stopper (stopper) configured to allow selectively. The stopper may be selectively configured to be interposed between the blocks.

When the stopper is interposed between the blocks, it may be configured to prevent the first and second bodies from rotating in the first and second directions so that the first and third surfaces face each other. In addition, when the stopper is not interposed between the blocks, it may allow the first and second bodies to rotate in the first and second directions so that the first and third surfaces face each other. In addition, the hinge may further include a holder configured to guide the movement of the stopper.

Meanwhile, the hinge may further include an interlock mechanism connected to the first and second bodies and configured to interlock the rotation of the first and second bodies and the movement of the stopper.

The interlocking mechanism may be configured to interpose the stopper between the blocks when the first and second bodies are rotated so that the second and fourth surfaces face each other. On the other hand, the interlocking mechanism may be configured to withdraw the stopper from the blocks when the first and second bodies are rotated so that the first and third surfaces face each other.

The interlocking mechanism may consist of a gear train configured to linearly reciprocate the stopper. More specifically, the interlocking mechanism includes: a first gear connected to the first or second body and configured to rotate together when the first or second body rotates; A second gear meshed with the first gear and the stopper, respectively, and rotating by the rotation of the first gear to move the stopper. In addition, the stopper may include a rack gear meshed with the second gear for linear reciprocating motion.

In addition, the interlocking mechanism may further include a lever connected to the first gear and slidably coupled to the first or second body. In addition, the interlocking mechanism may further include a bracket provided on the first or second body and slidably receiving the lever.

In the mobile terminal according to the present application, the hinge includes a plurality of rotatable blocks, and accordingly, may be deformed to have a predetermined curvature so as to rotate the first and second bodies in a desired direction. Accordingly, this first hinge can have an intended function, that is, the rotation of the first and second bodies while having a simple and compact structure.

In addition, the hinge may include an interlocking mechanism for linking the rotation of the bodies of the mobile terminal and the movement of a stopper disposed between the bodies. The stopper is optionally arranged between the blocks by means of the interlocking mechanism, thereby enabling the rotation of the bodies for the intended state of the mobile terminal.

1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a mobile terminal according to the present application.

2 is a front view, a side view, and a bottom view showing the mobile terminal in a folded state according to the present application.

3 is a rear view showing the mobile terminal in a folded state.

4 is a front view, a side view, and a bottom view showing the mobile terminal in an unfolded state according to the present application.

5 is a rear view showing the mobile terminal in an unfolded state.

6 is a front view, a side view, and a bottom view showing the mobile terminal in a folded state opposite to the mobile terminal of FIGS. 2 and 3.

7 is a side view showing a hinge included in the mobile terminal in an unfolded state.

8 is a side view showing a hinge included in the mobile terminal in a folded state.

9 is a side view showing a hinge included in the mobile terminal in a folded state in the opposite direction.

10 is a rear view showing a hinge of the mobile terminal in an unfolded state.

11 is a perspective view and a front view showing a block of the hinge.

12 is a front view and a perspective view showing a first link of the hinge.

13 is a front view and a perspective view showing a second link of the hinge.

14 is a front view and a perspective view showing a holder of the hinge.

15 is a perspective view and a front view showing a stopper of the hinge.

16 is a side view showing a hinge and an interlocking mechanism included in the mobile terminal in an unfolded state.

17 is a side view showing a hinge and an interlocking mechanism included in the mobile terminal in a folded state.

18 is a side view showing a hinge and an interlocking mechanism included in the mobile terminal in a folded state in the opposite direction.

19 is a rear view showing a hinge and an interlocking mechanism of the mobile terminal in an unfolded state.

20 is a perspective view showing in detail the linkage mechanism and the hinge.

21 and 22 are side views each showing a modified block and a stopper.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but identical or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably in consideration of only the ease of preparation of the specification, and do not have meanings or roles that are distinguished from each other by themselves. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical idea disclosed in the present specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and scope of the present application It should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but other components may exist in the middle. Should be. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the present application, terms such as "comprises" or "have" are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features. It is to be understood that the presence or addition of elements or numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof, does not preclude in advance.

Embodiments described in this specification include configurations for applying a flexible display to a mobile terminal. However, the principles and configurations of the described embodiments can be equally applied to all display devices using the flexible display. In more detail, the following embodiments are shown and described based on a mobile terminal, but can be applied to all computing devices having a foldable structure, for example, laptop computers, tablets, and various smart devices other than a mobile terminal without substantial modification. I can.

1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a mobile terminal according to the present application.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a control unit 180, and a power supply unit 190. ), etc. Since the components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential for implementing a mobile terminal, the mobile terminal described in the present specification may have more or fewer components than the components listed above.

More specifically, among the components, the wireless communication unit 110 may be configured between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or between the mobile terminal 100 and an external server. It may include one or more modules to enable wireless communication between. In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for connecting the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a broadcast reception module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short-range communication module 114, and a location information module 115. .

First, referring to the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast reception module 111 of the wireless communication unit 110 receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. Two or more broadcast receiving modules may be provided to the mobile terminal 100 for simultaneous broadcast reception or broadcast channel switching of at least two broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 includes technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication (eg, GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), CDMA (Code Division Multi Access), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000)), EV -DO (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), etc.), transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

The wireless signal may include a voice call signal, a video call signal, or various types of data according to transmission/reception of text/multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and may be built-in or external to the mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in a communication network according to wireless Internet technologies.

Examples of wireless Internet technologies include WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), etc., and the wireless Internet module ( 113) transmits and receives data according to at least one wireless Internet technology in a range including Internet technologies not listed above.

From the point of view that wireless Internet access by WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A, etc. is made through a mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module 113 performs wireless Internet access through the mobile communication network. ) May be understood as a kind of the mobile communication module 112.

The short range communication module 114 is for short range communication, and includes Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and NFC. Near field communication may be supported by using at least one of (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies. The short-distance communication module 114 is, between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or between the mobile terminal 100 through a wireless area network (Wireless Area Networks). ) And a network in which another mobile terminal 100 or an external server is located may support wireless communication. The local area wireless communication network may be a wireless personal area network (Wireless Personal Area Networks).

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location (or current location) of a mobile terminal, and representative examples thereof include a GPS (Global Positioning System) module or a WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) module. For example, if the mobile terminal utilizes the GPS module, it can acquire the location of the mobile terminal by using a signal transmitted from a GPS satellite. As another example, if the mobile terminal utilizes the Wi-Fi module, the mobile terminal may acquire the location of the mobile terminal based on information of the Wi-Fi module and a wireless access point (AP) that transmits or receives a wireless signal. If necessary, the location information module 115 may perform any function among other modules of the wireless communication unit 110 in order to obtain data on the location of the mobile terminal as a substitute or additionally. The location information module 115 is a module used to obtain the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or obtains the location of the mobile terminal.

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 or an image input unit for inputting an image signal, a microphone 122 for inputting an audio signal, or an audio input unit, and a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user, for example, , A touch key, a mechanical key, etc.). The voice data or image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed as a user's control command.

The camera 121 processes an image frame such as a still image or a video obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170. On the other hand, a plurality of cameras 121 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be arranged to form a matrix structure, and through the camera 121 forming a matrix structure as described above, various angles or focal points are applied to the mobile terminal 100. A plurality of image information may be input. In addition, the plurality of cameras 121 may be arranged in a stereo structure to obtain a left image and a right image for implementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 processes an external sound signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be variously utilized according to a function (or an application program being executed) being executed by the mobile terminal 100. Meanwhile, the microphone 122 may be implemented with various noise removal algorithms for removing noise generated in a process of receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 123 is for receiving information from the user, and when information is input through the user input unit 123, the controller 180 can control the operation of the mobile terminal 100 to correspond to the input information. . Such, the user input unit 123 is a mechanical (mechanical) input means (or a mechanical key, for example, a button located on the front, rear or side of the mobile terminal 100, a dome switch (dome switch), a jog wheel, Jog switch, etc.) and a touch-type input means. As an example, the touch-type input means comprises a virtual key, a soft key, or a visual key displayed on a touch screen through software processing, or a portion other than the touch screen It may be made of a touch key (touch key) disposed on. On the other hand, the virtual key or visual key can be displayed on the touch screen while having various forms, for example, graphic, text, icon, video, or these It can be made of a combination of.

The sensing unit 140 may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information in the mobile terminal, information on surrounding environments surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 includes a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, and gravity. G-sensor, gyroscope sensor, motion sensor, RGB sensor, infrared sensor (IR sensor), fingerprint sensor (finger scan sensor), ultrasonic sensor (ultrasonic sensor) , Optical sensor (for example, camera (see 121)), microphone (microphone, see 122), battery gauge, environmental sensor (for example, barometer, hygrometer, thermometer, radiation detection sensor, It may include at least one of a heat sensor, a gas sensor, etc.), and a chemical sensor (eg, an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed in the present specification may combine and utilize information sensed by at least two or more of these sensors.

The output unit 150 is for generating an output related to visual, auditory or tactile sense, and includes at least one of the display unit 151, the sound output unit 152, the hap tip module 153, and the light output unit 154 can do. The display unit 151 may implement a touch screen by forming a layer structure or integrally with the touch sensor. Such a touch screen can function as a user input unit 123 that provides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user, and can provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user.

The sound output unit 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 170 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output unit 152 also outputs sound signals related to functions (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The sound output unit 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, and a buzzer.

The haptic module 153 generates various tactile effects that a user can feel. A typical example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 may be vibration. The intensity and pattern of vibrations generated by the haptic module 153 may be controlled by a user's selection or setting of a controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may synthesize and output different vibrations or sequentially output them.

The light output unit 154 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event using light from a light source of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events occurring in the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, and information reception through an application.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage between various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 connects a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, and a device equipped with an identification module. It may include at least one of a port, an audio input/output (I/O) port, an input/output (video I/O) port, and an earphone port. The mobile terminal 100 may perform appropriate control related to the connected external device in response to the connection of the external device to the interface unit 160.

In addition, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 100. The memory 170 may store a plurality of application programs or applications driven by the mobile terminal 100, data for operation of the mobile terminal 100, and commands. At least some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of delivery for basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (eg, incoming calls, outgoing functions, message reception, and outgoing functions). Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170, installed on the mobile terminal 100, and driven by the controller 180 to perform an operation (or function) of the mobile terminal.

In addition to the operation related to the application program, the controller 180 generally controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. The controller 180 may provide or process appropriate information or functions to a user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the above-described components or by driving an application program stored in the memory 170. For example, the controller 180 may include a processor and other electronic components supporting the processor. These processors and electronic components may be mounted on a circuit board to function as the controller 180.

In addition, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components described with reference to FIG. 1 in order to drive the application program stored in the memory 170. Furthermore, in order to drive the application program, the controller 180 may operate by combining at least two or more of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 with each other.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power to each of the components included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery 191, and the battery may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the respective components may operate in cooperation with each other to implement an operation, control, or control method of a mobile terminal according to various embodiments described below. In addition, the operation, control, or control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by driving at least one application program stored in the memory 170.

2 is a front view, a side view, and a bottom view showing the mobile terminal in a folded state according to the present application, and FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the mobile terminal in a folded state. In addition, FIG. 4 is a front view, a side view, and a bottom view showing the mobile terminal in an unfolded state according to the present application, and FIG. 5 is a rear view illustrating the mobile terminal in an unfolded state. 6 is a front view, a side view, and a bottom view showing the mobile terminal in a folded state opposite to the mobile terminal of FIGS. 2 and 3. Referring to these drawings, a schematic structure of the mobile terminal 100 of the present application will be described below. In these drawings, FIGS. 2(a), 2(b), (c) and 2(d) show the front, both sides, and the bottom of the folded mobile terminal 100, respectively, and FIG. 4(a) , FIGS. 4(b), (c) and 4(d) show the front, both sides, and the bottom of the unfolded mobile terminal 100, respectively. In addition, FIGS. 6(a), 6(b), (c) and 6(d) show the front, both sides, and the bottom of the mobile terminal 100 folded in the opposite direction, respectively.

The mobile terminal 100 needs to include two portions that move relative to each other in order to be folded or unfolded. Therefore, as shown, the mobile terminal 100 may include two bodies that are basically separated from each other and independent, that is, first and second bodies 101 and 102 in order to have a foldable structure. have. In addition, in order to be folded or unfolded, these first and second bodies 101 and 102 may be configured to be rotatable relative to each other.

First, the first body 101 may have various shapes, for example, as shown, may have a rectangular shape. The first body 101 may include a housing including a predetermined inner space, and various parts described in FIG. 1 may be installed or accommodated in the housing. Meanwhile, the second body 102 may be provided to the first body 101 so as to be rotatable. That is, the second body 102 may be rotatably connected or coupled to the first body 101, and thus may be configured to rotate relative to the first body 101 (thus). Likewise, the first body 101 may be rotatably connected or coupled to the second body 102, and thus may be configured to rotate with respect to the second body 102. That is, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 may be configured to be relatively rotatable with respect to each other. In addition, the second body 102 may have various shapes like the first body 101, and among these shapes, the second body 102 may have the same shape, that is, corresponding to the first body 101. When the second body 102 has a shape corresponding to the first body 101, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the mobile terminal 100 has a single body when the mobile terminal 100 is folded. It can form the same appearance. As an example, the second body 102 may also have a rectangular shape corresponding to the first body 102. In addition, the second body 102, like the first body 102, may include a housing including a predetermined internal space, and various parts described in FIG. 1 may be installed or accommodated in this housing. .

In more detail, the first body 101 may include a first surface 101a among several surfaces thereof and a second surface 101b disposed opposite to the first surface 101a. In addition, the second body 102 may likewise include a third surface 102a of several surfaces thereof and a fourth surface 102b disposed opposite thereto. When the mobile terminal 100 is folded or unfolded, that is, when the first body 101 rotates relative to the second body 102 in opposite directions (R1, R3), the first body 101 The first side 101a may be configured to be close to or face the third side 102a of the second body 102, while the second side 101b thereof is arranged opposite to the first side 101a. Due to this, it may be configured to face or be close to the fourth surface 102b of the second body 102. Similarly, when the mobile terminal 100 is folded or unfolded, that is, when the second body 102 rotates relative to the first body 101 in directions R2 and R4 facing each other, the second body ( The third side 102a of 102) may be configured to be close to or facing the first side 101a of the first body 101, whereas the fourth side 102b thereof is on the third side 102a. Due to the opposite arrangement, it may be configured to face or close to the second surface 101b of the first body 102. The relative orientation of the surfaces 101a, 101b, 102a, and 102b can be achieved by controlling the rotation of the first and second bodies 102, and the rotation of these bodies 102 is hinged to be described later. It is made possible by 200. That is, by the hinge 200, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 rotate so that the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b are close to each other and face each other, and on the other hand (alternatively) the bodies 101 and 102 are The first and third surfaces 101a and 102a may be rotated to be close to each other or to face each other. This hinge 200 will be described later with reference to the related drawings following the description of the bodies 101 and 102.

Under this configuration, the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a may constitute the external shape of the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal 100 is folded or unfolded to either side. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the mobile terminal 100 is folded to face the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b, the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a are The front and rear surfaces of the mobile terminal 100 may be formed, respectively. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the mobile terminal 100 is in an unfolded state, that is, when the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are oriented in the same plane (flush), the The first and third surfaces 101a and 102a may constitute one and the same plane. On the other hand, the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a may be hidden in the mobile terminal 100 as shown in FIG. 6 when the mobile terminal 100 is folded to the other side. On the other hand (alternatively), in the mobile terminal 100 folded to the other side like this of FIG. 6, relative to the hidden first and third surfaces 101a and 102a, the second and fourth surfaces 101a and 102a are The external appearance of the mobile terminal 100 can be configured, and the front and rear surfaces of the mobile terminal 100 can be formed, respectively. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the mobile terminal 100 is in an unfolded state, that is, when the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are oriented in the same plane (flush), the Like the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a, the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b may constitute one and the same plane. On the other hand, in the mobile terminal 100 of FIGS. 2 and 4 folded to expose the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a, the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b are hidden in the mobile terminal 100. I can.

2 to 5, a display 151 may be provided on the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a. In practice, a single display 151 extends long and continuously over these first and third surfaces 101a and 102a, thereby providing a fairly large screen. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the first body 101 may include a first seat (101e) (seat) formed on the first surface (101a), the second body ( 102) may include a second seat portion 102e formed on the third surface 102a. The first and second seats 101e and 102e are formed of recesses, and are connected to each other to form one large seat. Accordingly, the elongated display 151 can be stably accommodated in the first and second seat portions 101e and 102e. Since the display 151 is provided on the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a, when the mobile terminal 100 is unfolded, as shown in FIG. 4, it is unfolded together and a large screen can be provided to the user. . In addition, when the mobile terminal 100 is folded so that the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b face each other, the display 151 is folded together with the first and second bodies 101 and 102 as shown in FIG. After that, it is still exposed to the outside of the mobile terminal 100. Accordingly, the display 151 may be functionally and structurally divided into a part located on the first surface 101a and a part located on the third surface 102a, and accordingly, the mobile terminal 100 can be divided into two reduced screens. Can have On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 100 is folded so that the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a face each other, the display 151 is similarly formed with the first and second bodies 101 and 102 as shown in FIG. 6. It is folded, but can be hidden in the mobile terminal 100, contrary to that shown in FIG. 2. However, in this case, since the display 151 is hidden, information cannot be provided until the user opens the mobile terminal 100. For this reason, even when the mobile terminal 100 is folded so that the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a face each other, the mobile terminal 100 is shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6 to provide predetermined information to the user. As shown, it may include an auxiliary display 151a. The auxiliary display 151a may be provided on any one of the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b exposed when the mobile terminal 100 is folded so that the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a face each other. . As an example, the auxiliary display 151a may be disposed on the fourth surface 102b of the second body 102 as shown.

In addition, the first body 101 may have both side portions 101c and 101d, as well illustrated in FIG. 4. In addition, the second body 102 may likewise have both side portions 102c and 102d. Among them, the side portions 101c and 102c may be disposed adjacent to each other at all times, and the other side portions 101d and 102d may be adjacent to or separated from each other depending on the state of the mobile terminal 100, that is, a folded state and an unfolded state. have. The first and second bodies 101 and 102 may be connected so as to be relatively rotatable with each other at the side portions 101c and 102c that are always adjacent to each other among these side portions as an example. A mechanical connection mechanism is required for such a rotatable connection, and as mentioned above, the mobile terminal 100 may include a hinge 200 as such a mechanical connection mechanism. Accordingly, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance at the side portions 101c and 102c adjacent to each other to accommodate the hinge 200, and the hinges 200 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. It is disposed between the side portions 101c and 102c and can connect the bodies 101 and 102 to be rotatable.

Under such a basic configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 100 may have a folded state, that is, a first state. In this first state, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 may face or contact each other, and the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b may also face each other. Accordingly, the mobile terminal 100 may have a reduced size and appearance. In addition, in the first state, the display 151 may be disposed on the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a facing each other while being folded. 2 and 3, since the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a can form the front and rear surfaces of the mobile terminal 100, the mobile terminal 151 is substantially It may have divided displays 151 disposed on both the front and rear surfaces. Accordingly, a user can conveniently perform various functions using these two divided displays 151. For example, two users can conveniently perform necessary tasks independently using the displays 151 divided at the same time. In this first state, since the first and second bodies 101 and 102 face each other or are in contact with each other, the first state may be a closed state of the mobile terminal 100.

In this first state, as shown in FIG. 2, when the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are rotated in opposite directions to each other in the first and second directions R1 and R2, as shown in FIG. 4 , The first and second bodies 101 and 102 may be rotated away from each other, and accordingly, the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b may also be separated from each other (on the other hand, the first and third surfaces ( 101a, 102a) can be relatively close). Thus, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 may be unfolded and disposed in the same flush with each other. That is, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 may form one flat single body. At the same time, the display 151 is also unfolded, forming an enlarged screen on the unfolded first and second bodies 101 and 102, and precisely on the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a unfolded on the same plane I can. For the same reason, the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b are also unfolded to form the same plane, and the auxiliary display 151a may be exposed to the outside of the mobile terminal 100. Accordingly, the user can perform an operation suitable for this by using the enlarged display 151. In addition, one user may use the enlarged display 151, and at the same time, the other user may use the auxiliary display 151a located on the rear surface. In this way, the unfolded state of the mobile terminal 100 may be referred to as a second state compared to the aforementioned first state. In this second state, since the first and second bodies 101 and 102 rotate apart from each other, the second state may be described as an open state of the mobile terminal 100. On the other hand, if the first and second bodies 101 and 102 rotate opposite each other in the third and fourth directions R3 and R4 opposite to the first and second directions R1 and R2, the mobile terminal 100 ), the mobile terminal 100 may return to the first state described above. With respect to this first state, reference is made to the preceding descriptions of FIGS. 2 and 3, and further descriptions are omitted.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when the first and second bodies 101 and 102 further rotate in the first and second directions R1 and R2 in the unfolded state, FIG. 6 As shown in, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 may face each other while rotating toward each other so as to be close to each other, or may be in contact with each other (ie, may be folded), and accordingly, the first and third surfaces 101a ,102a) can also get closer and face each other. Accordingly, the mobile terminal 100 may have a reduced size and appearance again, and the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b may be exposed to the outside of the mobile terminal 100 to form the front and rear surfaces thereof. In addition, the display 151 on the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a is folded and hidden inside the mobile terminal 100, and only the auxiliary display 151a can be exposed from the mobile terminal 100. Accordingly, the display 151 can be protected from external impact in the mobile terminal 100, and instead, the user can appropriately perform the required operation using the auxiliary display 151a. In this way, the folded state of the mobile terminal 100 opposite to the first state may be referred to as a third state compared to the first and second states. This third state can also be described as a reversely open state of the mobile terminal 100 compared to the first state. On the other hand, if the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are opposite to each other in the third and fourth directions R3 and R4 opposite to the first and second directions R1 and R2 in the third state of FIG. When continuously rotated, the mobile terminal 100 may be sequentially switched to the second state of FIGS. 4 and 5 and the first state of FIGS. 2 and 3, and additional descriptions of these first and second states Without, the description provided above applies equally. Likewise, when the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are continuously rotated in the first and second directions (R1, R2), the mobile terminal 100 starts from the first state of FIG. 2 to the second state of FIG. It can be sequentially switched to the third state of 6. Considering the operation of the mobile terminal 100, the first and second directions R1 and R2 are the first and second bodies 101 and 102 so that the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a are close to each other or face each other. May correspond to the directions of rotation, and the third and fourth directions R3 and R4 include the first and second bodies 101 and 102 so that the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b are close to each other or face each other. It may correspond to the directions of rotation.

In order to operate the first and second bodies 101 and 102 described above, a connection mechanism for rotatably connecting them is required. As such a connection mechanism, the mobile terminal 100 of the present application may include a hinge 200 , This hinge 200 will be described below with reference to the related drawings.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a hinge included in the mobile terminal in an unfolded state, FIG. 8 is a side view showing a hinge included in the mobile terminal in a folded state, and FIG. 9 is a view showing the hinge included in the mobile terminal in a folded state It is a side view. 10 is a rear view showing a hinge of the mobile terminal in an unfolded state. 11 is a perspective view and a front view showing a block of the hinge, and FIGS. 12 and 13 are front views and perspective views showing first and second links of the hinge. 14 is a front view and a perspective view showing a holder of the hinge, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view and a front view showing a stopper of the hinge. Among these drawings, FIGS. 7 to 9 show a second state, a first state, and a third state of the mobile terminal 100 described above, respectively. In addition, FIGS. 7 to 9 accurately show the lower surfaces of the mobile terminal 100 in the second, first and third states, respectively. Further, FIG. 10 shows the hinge 200 viewed from the direction of the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b of the unfolded mobile terminal 100 (ie, the rear direction in the orientation of FIG.

As shown, the hinge 200 is basically disposed between the first and second bodies 101 and 102 so as to be rotatably connected or coupled to each other. More specifically, the hinge 200 is disposed between the adjacent side or side edges 101c and 102c of the first and second bodies 101 and 102, and may be configured to rotatably connect or couple. . This hinge 200, as described above, the first and second bodies (101, 102) toward each other, that is, the third and fourth directions so that the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b are closer to and face each other. It may be configured to rotate at (R3, R4), and accordingly, the mobile terminal 100 and the display 151 may be folded according to the first state. On the other hand, the hinge 200 is the first and second so that the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b are disposed in the same plane, or the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a are disposed in the same plane. The bodies 101 and 102 can be rotated away from each other, and accordingly, the mobile terminal 100 and the display 151 can be unfolded according to the second state. On the other hand, the hinge 200 rotates the first and second bodies 101 and 102 in the first and second directions R1 and R2 so that the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a are close to and face each other. The mobile terminal 100 and the display 151 may be folded according to the third state.

Further, the hinge 200 may be connected to arbitrary positions of the side portions 101c and 102c of the first and second bodies 101 and 102. For example, the hinge 200 is coupled with the side portions 101c and 102c to connect the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a of the bodies 101 and 102, as well illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 Can be. Since the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a are located on the outermost side of the bodies 101 and 102 and support the display 151, the hinge 200 connecting these surfaces 101a and 102a is adjacent to the display ( 151). To be precise, the hinge 200 may support a portion of the display 151 extending between the bodies 101 and 102 spaced apart from each other. Basically, since the display 151 is mostly supported by the first and second bodies 101 and 102, the entire display 151 is stably supported by supporting the portion between the bodies 101 and 102 using the hinge 200. Can be supported. Also, for more stable support, the hinge 200 may contact the display 151.

The hinge 200 may include a block assembly 201 extending between the first and second bodies 101 and 102 and connected to the bodies 101 and 102. The hinge 200, that is, the block assembly 201 may include a plurality of blocks 210 connected to each other. In more detail, each of the blocks 210 may extend long in the longitudinal direction of the bodies 101 and 102 between the first and second bodies 101 and 102. Further, the blocks 210 may be oriented substantially parallel to the side portions 101c and 102c of the first and second bodies 101 or the rotation axis thereof. Further, the blocks 210 may be sequentially arranged in parallel with each other toward the opposite side 102d from one side 102c.

In more detail, each block 210 includes a body 211 extending elongated and shafts 212 provided at both ends of the body 211 in the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIG. 11. I can. The body 211 may be configured to support and contact the surface of the adjacent display 151. In addition, these shafts 212 are arranged on the longitudinal central axis of the block 210, that is, its body 211, and may extend along the central axis, as well shown in FIG. 11(b). As mentioned above, the central axis of the block 210 may be arranged in parallel with the side portions 101c and 102c of the bodies 101 and 102 or a rotational axis disposed between the bodies 101 and 102. Therefore, when the bodies 101 and 102 rotate, the block 210 may rotate around its central axis, that is, the axis 212, and thus, the rotation of the bodies 101 and 102 may be possible. .

In addition, the hinge 200 may include a link assembly 202 configured to connect the blocks 210 to each other. The link assembly 202 may be provided at the ends of the blocks 210, precisely at the longitudinal ends thereof, so as not to interfere with the body 211 supporting the display 151. More specifically, the link assembly 202 is configured to hold the shafts 212 of the blocks 210, and the blocks 210, that is, the shafts 212, are rotatable with the link assembly 202. Can be combined. Accordingly, the block assembly 201, that is, the blocks 210 thereof, may be connected to each other as one body by the link assembly 202, thereby connecting the first and second bodies 101 and 102 to each other. In addition, the blocks 210 may be relatively rotated while being connected to each other by the link assembly 202, and accordingly, the hinge 200 may be formed by the movement of each of the blocks 210. (101,102) can be rotated relatively. In addition, the link assembly 202 may be disposed outside the display 151 so as not to interfere with the display 151 as shown in FIG. 10. As illustrated in FIG. 10, such a pair of first link assemblies 202 may be provided at both ends of the block assembly 201, that is, the blocks 210. Accordingly, the blocks ( 210) can be stably connected to each other. In the following, one of the components of the pair of link assemblies 202 will be described in detail, and this description applies equally to the corresponding components of the other link assembly 202.

Any one of these link assemblies 202 may consist of only one member connecting all of the blocks 210 at a time, and by this link assembly 202, the block assembly 201, that is, the blocks 210 It can be deformed or moved to rotate the first and second bodies 101 and 102. Meanwhile, as an example, as shown, the link assembly 202 may include a plurality of separated links 220 and 230 for smoother relative motion of the blocks 210. In more detail, the link assembly 202 may include a first link 220 configured to connect a pair of blocks 210 adjacent to each other, as shown in FIGS. 7-10. The first link 220 may include an elongated body 221 having a predetermined size, as well illustrated in FIG. 12. In addition, the first link 220 may include a pair of slots 222a and 222b formed in the body 221. The pair of slots 222a and 222b are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval, and may be formed through the body 221. In addition, these slots 222a and 222b may rotatably accommodate the axes 212 of a pair of blocks 210 adjacent to each other. Accordingly, a pair of blocks 210 adjacent to each other by the first link 210 are stably connected to each other, and at the same time, they may rotate relatively to the first link 210. The link assembly 202 may include a plurality of first links 210, and thus, as well as shown in FIG. 10, a pair of a plurality of blocks 210 connected by the first link 210 (pair) can be formed.

The pairs of the plurality of blocks 210 by the first link 220 are separated from each other, and accordingly, the pairs need to be connected to each other. For this reason, the link assembly 202 includes a second link 230 configured to connect two adjacent pairs of a plurality of blocks 210 formed on the first links 220 as described above. can do. Referring to FIG. 10, the second link 230 is located outside the first link 220 in the length direction of the block 210 so as to connect pairs of blocks 210 formed by the first link 220. The first link 220 may be disposed adjacent to the body 211 of the block 210 and may be disposed relatively inward in the longitudinal direction. Also, like the first link 220, a plurality of second links 230 may be applied to connect pairs of a plurality of blocks 210. The second link 230 has a structure similar to that of the first link 220, and may include an elongated body 231 having a predetermined size, as well illustrated in FIG. 13. Further, like the first link 220, the second link 230 may include a pair of slots 232a and 232b formed in the body 231. The pair of slots 232a and 232b are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval, and may be formed through the body 231. In addition, as well illustrated in FIG. 10, these slots 232a and 232b may rotatably accommodate axes 212 adjacent to each other in pairs of blocks 210 adjacent to each other. Two adjacent pairs of the pairs of blocks 210 connected to the first link 220 may be stably connected to each other by the second link 230. Accordingly, the blocks 210 may form a single body for the hinge 200 by the first and second links 220 and 230. In addition, the blocks 210 may rotate relatively by the first link 220, and at the same time, the pairs of blocks 210 may also rotate relative to each other by the second link 230. Accordingly, the hinge 200, that is, its block assembly 201, can be greatly deformed to have a predetermined curvature and a radius of curvature R as shown in FIG. 8 by such relative rotations. The first and second bodies 101 and 102 connected thereto may be rotated so that the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b face each other, that is, to switch to the first state. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the hinge 200, that is, its block assembly 201, can be largely rotated around the central portion, and accordingly, the first and third surfaces 101a and 102b face each other. In other words, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 connected thereto may be rotated so as to be converted to a third state. The behavior of the hinge 200 or the block assembly 201 thereof for the transition to these first and third states will be described in more detail later in this specification.

In addition, the hinge 200 may include a stopper 250 disposed between the first and second bodies 101 and 102, and precisely the side portions 101c and 102c thereof. Particularly, the stopper 250 may be disposed at the center of the space between the first and second bodies 101 and 102, that is, the side portions 101c and 102c. In addition, the stopper 250 may be configured to be movable between the first and second bodies 101 and 102. In practice, the stopper 250 may be configured to be movable between the first and second bodies 101 and 102 in a direction perpendicular to the block assembly 201, that is, the blocks 210 thereof. With such a movable configuration, the stopper 250 may be selectively configured to be interposed between the blocks 210 of the block assembly 201. That is, while the stopper 250 moves, it is disposed at the center of the block assembly 201 and is inserted between a pair of blocks 210 adjacent to each other or separated from the space between the pair of blocks 210. I can. More specifically, as well as shown in FIGS. 7-9, a pair of blocks 210 disposed at the center of the block assembly 201 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and the stopper 250 is It can move in or move out of these gaps. The movement of the stopper 250 may be performed manually by a user, or may be performed in conjunction with rotation of the first and second bodies 101 and 102 by an interlock mechanism 300 to be described later.

In more detail, as shown in FIG. 15, the stopper 250 may include a body 251 extending elongated and shafts 252 provided at both ends of the body 251 in the longitudinal direction. . When the stopper 250 is inserted between the blocks 210, the body 251 may be configured to contact and support the surface of the display 151 together with the adjacent blocks 210. In addition, these shafts 252 are arranged on a longitudinal central axis of the stopper 250, that is, its body 251, and may extend along the central axis. The central axis of the stopper 250 may be arranged in parallel with the side portions 101c and 102c of the bodies 101 and 102 or a rotational shaft disposed between the bodies 101 and 102. Accordingly, when the stopper 250 is inserted between the blocks 210, it can be aligned with the adjacent blocks 210, and thus can smoothly interwork with the blocks 210. As described above, since the stopper 250 is structurally similar to the blocks 210, when inserted between the blocks 210, the block assembly 201 may be formed as one block 210.

Further, the hinge 200 supports the stopper 250 described above and may include a holder 240 configured to guide the movement of the stopper 250. The holder 240 may likewise be disposed between the first and second bodies 101 and 102, precisely its sides 101c and 102c, to guide the stopper 250, and the first and second bodies ( 101, 102), that is, may be disposed in the center of the space between the sides (101c, 102c). In addition, a pair of blocks 210 disposed at the center of the block assembly 201 are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval, and the holder 240 may be disposed within such a distance, that is, between the blocks 210. , It may be rotatably coupled with the pair of blocks 210. In more detail, the holder 240 may be disposed at longitudinal ends of the blocks 210 and the stopper 250. Further, the holder 240 may be arranged in line with the first links 220 in a lateral direction of the mobile terminal 100. Accordingly, the holder 240 may function as the link assembly 202 connecting the blocks 210 as the first link 220, and the stopper 250 is referred to as the blocks 210, that is, the block assembly 201. ) And functionally and structurally. Such a pair of holders 240 are provided at both ends of the stopper 250 in the longitudinal direction as well as the block assembly 201, that is, adjacent blocks 210 at the center, as well illustrated in FIG. In this way, the blocks 210 and the stopper 250 can be stably supported.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 14, the holder 240 may basically include a body 241 disposed between the first and second bodies 101 and 102. The holder 240, that is, its body 241, as well as shown in FIG. 7, when the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are horizontally disposed on the same plane (flush), their side portions 101c ,102c) can be elongated in parallel. In addition, the holder 240, that is, its body 241, in the folded state of the mobile terminal 100 shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the body (101, 102) or its surfaces (101a, 101b, 102a, 102b) and the alternative Can be oriented side by side. The holder 240 may include a pair of slots 242a and 242b formed in the body 410 and a central slot 243 disposed between the slots 242a and 242b. The slots 242a, 242b, and 243 may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval, and may be formed through the body 410. The pair of slots 242a and 242b are disposed on both sides of the body 241, respectively, and may rotatably accommodate the axes 212 of the blocks 210 adjacent to the holder 240. In addition, the central slot 243 may extend in substantially the same direction as the body 241. That is, the central slot 243 may be horizontally extended in parallel to the side portions 101c and 102c of the first and second bodies 101 and 102 disposed on the same plane (flush) with each other. The central slot 243 may accommodate the shaft 252 of the stopper 250, and accordingly, the stopper 250 may move along the slot 243 that is elongated. In particular, at least the end of the center slot 243 may be disposed between the slots 242a and 242b so that the stopper 250 may be disposed between the blocks 210 coupled to the slots 242a and 242b. . Accordingly, along this central slot 243, the stopper 250 may move in a direction perpendicular to the block assembly 201, that is, its blocks 210 between the first and second bodies 101 and 102. That is, the stopper 250 may move toward the block assembly 201 to be inserted between the blocks 210 or may move away from the block assembly 201 to be withdrawn from the blocks 210. .

By the configuration described above, the holder 240 and the stopper 250, in particular, the holder 240 is disposed in the space between the bodies 101 and 102 or the central portion of the block assembly 201 disposed in this space, It may act as a center associated with the deformation or rotation of the hinge 200. Accordingly, the holder 240 and the stopper 250 are two portions rotatably connected to the block assembly 201, that is, the first and second block assemblies connected to the first and second bodies 101 and 102, respectively. It can be divided into (210a, 210b). That is, the hinge 200 is connected to the first body 101 and is connected to the first block assembly 210a and the second body 102 rotatably coupled to the holder 240 and rotates to the holder 240 It may include a second block assembly 210b coupled to each other.

As described above, the hinge 200 may be deformed to have a large curvature or may pivot the first and second bodies 101 and 102 connected thereto by largely pivoting about the center thereof. The hinge 200 may be rotatably coupled to the first and second bodies 101 and 102 so that the rotation of the first and second bodies 101 and 102 is performed more smoothly. Since the hinge 200 is arranged to be connected to the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a of the first and second bodies 101 and 102, it is actually rotated on the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a. It can be possibly combined. In more detail, as shown in FIGS. 7-10, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 include first and second supporters 101f and 102f configured to support the display 151. I can. The first supporter 101f may have a body extending substantially parallel to the first or second surfaces 101a, 101b, and similarly, the second supporter 102f may have a third or fourth surface 102a, 102b ) May have a body extending substantially parallel to it. These first and second supporters 101f and 102f form the bottom surfaces of the recesses 101e and 102e (see Fig. 4) for accommodating the display 151, thereby supporting them while in contact with the display 151. can do. In addition, the first and second supporters (101f, 102f) may include hinges (101g, 102g) that are adjacent to the sides (101c, 102c) or the paper (200) of the body (101, 102) and provided at the ends thereof. have. The hinge 200, that is, both sides of the block assembly 201 thereof, may be rotatably coupled thereto. In more detail, of the blocks 210 of the block assembly 201, the axes 211 of the outermost blocks 210 adjacent to the side portions 101c and 102c of the body 101 and 102 are the first and second It may be rotatably coupled to the hinges 101g and 102g of the supporters 101f and 102f, respectively. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 may additionally rotate to be closer to each other from both ends of the deformed or rotated hinge 200, and thus the second and The mobile terminal 100 may be smoothly folded so that the fourth surfaces 101b and 102b meet or the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a meet.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 8, when the hinge 200 is deformed to have a curvature for rotation of the first and second bodies 101 and 102 in the third and fourth directions (R3, R4), that is, the first When the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b are brought close to or facing each other for transition to the 1 state, the block assembly, that is, the inward portion in the radius of curvature (R) direction of the blocks 210 is relatively Can be compressed. Therefore, in order to smoothly deform the hinge 200, the block assembly 201, that is, the blocks 210 needs to be configured to allow such relative compression. In this regard, referring to FIG. 11, the block 210 is a first portion (or first surface) 211a relatively adjacent to the first or third surfaces 101a and 102a and the first A second portion (or second surface) 211b may be spaced apart from the portion 211a and adjacent to the second or fourth surfaces 101b and 102b. When considering the arrangement of the block 210 shown in FIG. 8, the first portion 211a is relatively positioned outside in the direction of the radius of curvature (R), and the second portion 211b is relatively the radius of curvature (R). It can be located inside from the direction. The first portion 211a may be formed larger than the second portion 211b, in other words, the length or width of the first portion 211a may be formed larger than the length or width of the second portion 211b. . Due to the first and second portions 211a and 211b, the side portions 211c of the block 210 may be inclined inwardly. More specifically, the sides 211c of the block 210 are from the first or third side 101a, 102a (i.e., from the first portion 211a) and the second or fourth side 101b, 102b (That is, while extending toward the second portion 211b), it may be inclined to gradually approach inward. Thus, the block 210 extends from the first or third surface 101a, 102a toward the second or fourth surface 101b, 102b (ie, in the direction of the second or fourth surface 101b, 102b). ) It can be configured to have a cross section that gradually shrinks. As a result, the block 210 may have a cross-section of an inverted trapezoidal shape, and the long side of this cross-section is disposed adjacent to the first or third surfaces 101a and 102a, and the short side thereof is the second or fourth side ( 101b, 102b) can be arranged adjacent to. Further, due to this shape, the side portion 211c of one block 210 may be inclined away from the side portion 211c of the adjacent block 210, and accordingly, the side portion of the adjacent blocks 210 A predetermined gap may be formed between the fields 211c adjacent to the second or fourth surfaces 101b and 101b. That is, gaps may be formed between the second portions 211b of the blocks 210, and each gap is from the first or third surfaces 101a, 102a to the second or fourth surfaces 101b, 102b. It can gradually decrease as you go.

In addition, when the stopper 250 is also disposed between the central blocks 210, that is, between the first and second block assemblies 201: 210a and 210b, as shown in FIG. 8, the block assembly 201 Like ), by deformation for a predetermined curvature of the hinge 200, an inward portion of the stopper 250 in the direction of the radius of curvature R may be relatively compressed. Therefore, for smooth deformation of the hinge 200, the stopper 250 may also be configured to allow such relative compression. Referring to FIG. 15, the stopper 250 has a first portion (or first surface) 251a and the first portion 251a relatively adjacent to the first or third surfaces 101a and 102a. It is spaced apart from and may include a second portion (or second surface) 251b adjacent to the second or fourth surfaces 101b and 102b. Like the block 210 described above, the first portion 251a is relatively located outside in the direction of the radius of curvature (R), and the second portion 251b is relatively located in the direction of the radius of curvature (R). can do. The first portion 251a may be formed larger than the second portion 251b, in other words, the length or width of the first portion 251a may be larger than the length or width of the second portion 251b. . Due to these first and second portions 251a and 251b, the side portions 251c of the stopper 250 may be inclined inwardly. More specifically, the side portions 251c of the stopper 250 are from the first or third surfaces 101a and 102a (ie, from the first portion 211a) and the second or fourth surfaces 101b and 102b. (That is, while extending toward the second portion 211b), it may be inclined to gradually approach inward. Accordingly, the stopper 250 extends from the first or third surfaces 101a, 102a toward the second or fourth surfaces 101b, 102b (ie, in the direction of the second or fourth surfaces 101b, 102b). ) It can be configured to have a cross section that gradually shrinks. As a result, the stopper 250 may also have an inverted trapezoidal cross-section similar to the block 210, and the long side of this cross-section is disposed adjacent to the first or third surfaces 101a, 102a, and the short side thereof It may be disposed adjacent to the second or fourth surfaces 101b and 102b. Further, due to this shape, the side portion 251c of the stopper 250 may be inclined away from the side portion 211c of the adjacent block 210, and accordingly, the stopper 250 and the blocks 210 adjacent thereto ), a predetermined gap may be formed adjacent to the second or fourth surfaces 101b and 101b. That is, gaps may be formed between the stopper 250 and the second portions 251b and 211b of the blocks 210 adjacent thereto, and each gap is a second from the first or third surfaces 101a and 102a. Alternatively, it may be gradually decreased toward the fourth surfaces 101b and 102b. Meanwhile, the stopper 250 may include chamfers 253 provided on both sides of the body 251. The chamfer 253 may be configured so that the stopper 250 does not interfere with adjacent blocks 210 during movement. To this end, the chamfer 253 is disposed adjacent to the first portion 251a thereof, and may be connected to the side portion 251c. In addition, the chamfer 253 may be formed to be inclined opposite to the side portion 251c. Accordingly, when the stopper 250 is inserted between or withdrawn from the blocks 210, the chamfer 253 interferes with the side portions 211c of the blocks 210 inclined in the same direction as the side portion 251c. Otherwise, the stopper 250 may be smoothly inserted and withdrawn.

Under such a configuration of the block 210 and the stopper 250, in the unfolded state (second state) of the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 7, between the blocks 210 in the center, that is, A sufficient gap may be formed between the first and second block assemblies 210a and 210b. Accordingly, the stopper 250 may be inserted or interposed between the blocks 210 by moving along the slot 243 of the holder 240, that is, between the first and second block assemblies 210a and 210b. This insertion may also be described as insertion into the block assembly 201. The interposed stopper 250 may support the display 151 together with the blocks 210. In addition, the stopper 250 supports adjacent central blocks 210, that is, the side portions 211c thereof, and accordingly, the second state of the mobile terminal 100 can be maintained. In particular, since the chamfer 253 of the stopper 250 is inclined opposite to the side portions 211c of the blocks 210, it can be in wide contact with the side portions 211c, and accordingly (thus) the stopper 250 Blocks 210 adjacent to) may be stably supported. On the other hand, in place of the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b, the first and second bodies ( 101,102) may be applied. Such a force may be applied by an external shock or a user's malfunction during use of the mobile terminal 100. If the bodies 101 and 102 are rotated and the display 151 is folded so that the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a are unintentionally approached or faced while using the unfolded display 151, the user may experience inconvenience. have. However, as described above, since the chamfer 253 is inclined opposite to the side portion 211c of the block 210, the side portions 211c ) May not allow additional rotation of the blocks 210 and the bodies 101 and 102 connected thereto in the first and second directions R1 and R2 while directly in contact with each other. That is, the hinge 200, that is, its block assembly 201, cannot be deformed to allow rotation in the first and second directions R1 and R2. Therefore, by the configuration of the stopper 250, when the stopper 250 is inserted between the blocks 210, specifically the first and second block assemblies 210a and 210b, the first and third surfaces ( Rotation of the first and second bodies 101 and 102 may be prevented so that 101a and 102a) are close to each other or further face each other. Due to the prevention of rotation of the first and second bodies 101 and 102 in the first and second directions R1 and R2, unintentional folding of the display 151 may be prevented.

Meanwhile, in a state in which the stopper 250 illustrated in FIG. 7 is interposed between the blocks 210, that is, the first and second block assemblies 210a and 210b and the mobile terminal 100 is unfolded (the second state), When the first and second bodies 101 and 102 rotate in the third and fourth directions R3 and R4 so that the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b become close, as shown in FIG. 8, the blocks 210 ) Can be reduced. More specifically, when the first and second bodies 101 and 102 rotate in the third and fourth directions (R3, R4), the blocks 210 rotate relative to each other due to the above-described shape configuration. , The side portions 211c may be close to each other. Further, adjacent blocks 210 also rotate relatively toward the stopper 250, and the side portions 251c and 211c may be close to each other. In particular, portions disposed inward in the radius of curvature (R) direction of the blocks 210, that is, the second portions 211b are close to each other, and the side portions 211c of the blocks 210 are I can contact you. In addition, portions disposed inward in the radius of curvature (R) direction of the blocks 210 and the stopper 250, that is, the second portions 211b and 251b are close to each other, and their side portions 211c, 251c) may contact each other as a whole. Accordingly, when the first and second bodies 102 and 102 rotate in the third and fourth directions R3 and R4 so that the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b become close, the hinge 200, that is, the block assembly ( 201) can be configured to contract as a whole. More specifically, the hinge 200, that is, the inner portion of the block assembly 201 in the radius of curvature direction (ie, the portion adjacent to the second or fourth surfaces 101b and 102b) may be contracted. The length in the circumferential direction of the hinge 200, that is, the first block assembly 201 deformed by this contraction, may be reduced, and thus, this reduction may allow compression in the radial (R) direction. . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are rotated so that the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b face each other, that is, the mobile terminal 100 is switched to the first state. To make it possible, the hinge 200 can be stably deformed while forming a large curvature. In addition, as described above, the stopper 250 is interposed between the blocks 210 and is identically interlocked with the other block 210 as one block 210, and accordingly, the hinge 200 as described above. ) Can be transformed. Therefore, when the stopper 250 is interposed between the blocks 210, that is, between the first and second block assemblies 210a and 210b, the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b are formed to be closer to or facing each other. It may be configured to allow the first and second bodies 101 and 102 to rotate in the third and fourth directions R3 and R4.

On the other hand, while the stopper 250 shown in FIG. 8 is interposed and the mobile terminal 100 is folded (in the first state), the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are disposed on the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b. ) Is rotated in the first and second directions (R1, R2) away (i.e., the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a are relatively close), as shown in FIG. The spacing between 210 can be increased again. In more detail, when the first and second bodies 101 and 102 rotate in the first and second directions R1 and R2, the blocks 210 rotate relatively away from each other due to the above-described geometric configuration. And, the side portions 211c may be separated from each other. Further, adjacent blocks 210 are also relatively rotated away from the stopper 250, and the side portions 251c and 211c may be separated from each other. In particular, portions disposed inward in the radius of curvature (R) direction of the blocks 210, that is, the second portions 211b may be separated from each other to form a gap again. In addition, portions disposed inward in the radius of curvature (R) direction of the blocks 210 and the stopper 250, that is, the second portions 211b and 251b may also be separated from each other to form a gap again. Thus, the first and second bodies 102 and 102 are on the same plane with the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b away (i.e., the first and third surfaces 101a and 101b are close to each other). When rotated in the first and second directions R1 and R2 to be disposed, the hinge 200, that is, the block assembly 201 may be configured to expand. In more detail, the hinge 200, that is, the inner portion of the block assembly 201 in the radius of curvature direction (ie, the portion adjacent to the second or fourth surfaces 101b and 102b) may be extended. By this expansion, the length in the circumferential direction of the deformed hinge 200, that is, the block assembly 201, can be increased, and thus this increase can allow tension in the radial direction. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are placed on the same plane with the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b (or the first and third surfaces 101a and 101b). The hinge 200 may be horizontally unfolded to rotate to be disposed, that is, to convert the mobile terminal 100 to the second state. In addition, as described above, the stopper 250 is interposed between the blocks 210 and is identically interlocked with the other block 210 as one block 210, and accordingly, the hinge 200 as described above. ) Can be transformed. Therefore, when the stopper 250 is interposed between the blocks 210, that is, between the first and second block assemblies 210a and 210b, the second and fourth states are switched from the first state to the second state. The first and second bodies 101 and 102 are moved away from the faces 101b and 102b (that is, the first and third faces 101a and 102a are relatively close), and the first and second bodies 101 and 102 ) Can be configured to allow rotation, and thus can be switched from the first state back to the second state.

On the other hand, in the unfolded state (second state) of the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 7, the stopper 250 moves along the slot 243 of the holder 240 and between the blocks 210, that is, It may not be inserted or interposed between the first and second block assemblies 210a and 210b. That is, the stopper 250 may be separated from the blocks 210 or the first and second block assemblies 201: 201a and 210b. This separation may also be described as separation from the block assembly 201. Due to this separation, the space between the first and second block assemblies 210a and 210b is emptied, and accordingly, these assemblies 210a and 210b have a holder 240, specifically their slots 242a and 242b. You can freely rotate around ). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9, the first and second block assemblies 210a and 210b may further rotate in the first and second directions R1 and R2, and these assemblies 210a and 210b The first and second bodies 101 and 102 connected to each other may also rotate in the same directions R1 and R2 so that the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a face each other. During such rotation, the first and second block assemblies 210a and 210b may maintain an extended state with an increased spacing as shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, the hinge 200 rotates about the holder 240, that is, about a predetermined axis, so that the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are rotated so that the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a face each other. I can. Since the rotation of the hinge 200 becomes possible due to the separation of the stopper 250, the stopper 250 is not interposed between the blocks 210 or the first and second block assemblies 210a and 210b. , It is configured to allow the first and second bodies 101 and 102 to move in the first and second directions R1 and R2 so that the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a are close to or face each other, and thus Accordingly, the mobile terminal 100 can be switched from the second state to the third state. In addition, in the third state as shown in FIG. 9, due to the gap in the block assembly 201 formed by the separation of the stopper 250, the first and second block assemblies 210a and 210b are in opposite directions (that is, It is possible to rotate in the third and fourth directions R3 and R4, and at the same time, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 connected to these assemblies 210a and 210b also have the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a. ) Can be rotated in the same directions R3 and R4 away (that is, the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b are close). Thus, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are moved to the second And so that the fourth surfaces 101b and 102b rotate so that they are disposed on the same plane, that is, to convert the mobile terminal 100 to the second state, the hinge 200 may be rotated and spread horizontally. The stopper 250 can be reinserted as shown in FIG. 7 between the block assemblies 210a and 210b spread in the same plane state, and accordingly, the first and second bodies 101 and 102, that is, the mobile terminal 100 ) May stably maintain the third state, as described above. In addition, for the same reason as described above, the stopper 250 is between the blocks 210, that is, the first and second block assemblies 210a, 210b) when not interposed, the first and third sides 101a, 102a are moved away (i.e., the second and fourth sides 101b, 102b) for transition from the third state to the first state. It may be configured to allow the first and second bodies 101 and 102 to rotate in the third and fourth directions R3 and R4).

Considering such a series of operations, when the stopper 250 is inserted into the blocks 210 or the block assembly 201, the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a are rotated to face the hinge 200. While not allowing, when separated from the blocks 210 or the block assembly 201, the first and third sides 101a and 102a may be allowed to face. Thus, the stopper 250 selectively allows the first and second bodies 101 and 102 to rotate in the first and second directions R1 and R2 so that the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a face each other. Can be configured.

As described above, since the block assembly 201 repeats contraction and compression, the first and second links 220 and 230 are configured to allow rotation and other movement of the blocks 210 for such contraction and compression. Can be. As shown in FIG. 12, in the first link 220, the slots 222a and 222b may be inclined in opposite directions. More specifically, the slots 222a and 222b extend from the points of the body 221 adjacent to the first or third surfaces 101a and 102a toward the second or fourth surfaces 101b and 102b and It can be inclined gradually closer to each other. That is, the spacing at the portion adjacent to the first or third surfaces 101a and 102a of the slots 222a and 222b is adjacent to the second or fourth surfaces 101b and 102b of the slots 222a and 222b. It may be formed larger than the spacing at the site. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 13, in the second link 230, similar to the first link 220, the slots 232a and 232b may be inclined in opposite directions. More specifically, the slots 232a and 232b extend from the points of the body 231 adjacent to the first or third surfaces 101a and 102a toward the second or fourth surfaces 101b and 102b, It can be inclined gradually closer to each other. That is, the spacing at a portion adjacent to the first or third surfaces 101a and 102a of the slots 232a and 232b is adjacent to the second or fourth surfaces 101b and 102b of the slots 232a and 232b. It may be formed larger than the spacing at the site.

Referring to FIG. 14, as with the links 220 and 230 described above, in order to allow repetitive contraction and compression of the block assembly 201, the slots 242a and 242b may also be formed on the first or third surfaces 101a, While extending from the points of the body 410 adjacent to 102a) toward the second or fourth surfaces 101b and 102b, they may be inclined to gradually approach each other inward. That is, the spacing at a portion adjacent to the first or third surfaces 101a and 102a of the slots 242a and 242b is adjacent to the second or fourth surfaces 101b and 102b of the slots 242a and 242b. It may be formed larger than the spacing at the site.

On the other hand, as described above, the stopper 250 selectively moves to be interposed in the block assembly 201, and accordingly, the intended state of the mobile terminal 100 can be achieved by the allowed rotation of the bodies 101 and 102. I can. Therefore, by linking the rotation of the bodies 101 and 102 and the movement of the stopper 250, the stopper 250 enables the intended state of the moving terminal 101 (that is, the rotation of the bodies 101 and 102 for this). It can be moved to the correct position. For this reason, the hinge 200 includes rotations of the first and second bodies 101 and 102 in the first and second directions R1 and R2 or in the third and fourth directions R3 and R4 and the stopper 250 ) May include an interlock mechanism 300 configured to interlock the movement. That is, the interlocking mechanism 300 includes the first and second bodies 101 and 102 in any one of the first and second directions R1 and R2 and the third and fourth directions R3 and R4. When rotated to, such a position allowing rotation of the bodies 101, 102, precisely, facing the first and third sides 101a, 102a or of the second and fourth sides 101b, 102b It may be configured to move the stopper 250 to a position allowing facing.

FIG. 16 is a side view showing a hinge and an interlocking mechanism included in the mobile terminal in an unfolded state, FIG. 17 is a side view showing the hinge and an interlocking mechanism included in the mobile terminal in a folded state, and FIG. 18 is a mobile terminal in a reverse-folded state It is a side view showing the hinge and interlocking mechanism included in the. 19 is a rear view showing a hinge and an interlocking mechanism of the mobile terminal in an unfolded state. In addition, FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing in detail the linkage mechanism and the hinge, and FIGS. 21 and 22 are side views each showing a modified block and a stopper. Among these drawings, FIGS. 16 to 18 show a second state, a first state, and a third state of the mobile terminal 100 to which the interlocking mechanism 300 is applied, respectively. In addition, FIGS. 16 to 18 accurately show the lower surfaces of the mobile terminal 100 in the second, first and third states, respectively. In addition, FIG. 19 shows the hinge 200 and the linkage mechanism 300 viewed from the direction of the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b of the unfolded mobile terminal 100 (ie, the rear direction in the orientation of FIG. 4 ). do.

This interlocking mechanism 300 is basically coupled to the first and second bodies 101 and 102 for interlocking the first and second bodies 101 and 102 and the stopper 250, and at the same time to be coupled with the stopper 250. I can. For this coupling, the interlocking mechanism 300 may be connected to any positions of the sides 101c and 102c of the first and second bodies 101 and 102. For example, since the hinge 200 is configured to abut or connect the first and third faces 101a, 102a, the interlocking mechanism 300 is adjacent to or connects the second and fourth faces 101b, 102b. It may be combined with the sides 101c and 102c to connect. Since the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b are spaced apart from the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a by a predetermined distance, the interlocking mechanism 300 may be spaced apart from the hinge 200, and these (200,300) May not interfere with each other.

Such interlocking mechanism 300 may be made of various mechanisms to effectively interlock the bodies 101 and 102 and the stopper 250, for example, as shown, structurally the body 101 and 102 It may be made of a gear train (gear train) configured to transmit the rotational force of the body (101, 102) to the stopper (250). This gear train can also be configured to linearly reciprocate the stopper 250 between the bodies 101 and 102 for insertion into the optional block assembly 201 required for the stopper 250.

The interlocking mechanism 300 as such a gear train is a pair of first gears 310a and 310b provided or connected to the first and second bodies 101 and 102 first, as well illustrated in FIGS. 16-18. It may include. The first gears 310a and 310b are disposed to face each other between the first and second bodies 101 and 102, and may be configured to interlock with the first and second bodies 101 and 102. Accordingly, the first gears 310a and 310b may be configured to rotate together when the bodies 101 and 102 rotate.

In addition, the interlocking mechanism 300 may include a pair of second gears 320a and 320b that engage with the first gears 310a and 310b, respectively. The second gears 320a and 320b may also be disposed to face each other, similar to the first gears 310a and 310b. These second gears (320a, 320b) may be disposed inward (inward) the first gears (310a, 310b) in the lateral direction of the mobile terminal (100) or the bodies (101, 102), and accordingly, such a second The gears 320a and 320b may mesh with each other. The first and second bodies 101 and 102 are connected to each other by mutual engagement of the second gears 320a and 320b, and rotation of the bodies 101 and 102 may be interlocked by the interlocking mechanism 300. Accordingly, the interlocking mechanism 300 can rotate the first and second bodies 101 and 102 simultaneously by the same angle.

In addition, the second gears 320a and 320b may also mesh with the stopper 250 to move the stopper 250. Since the second gears 320a and 320b face each other to face each other, the second gears 320a and 320b may be engaged with different portions of the stopper 250, for example, both sides thereof. The second gears 320a and 320b need to be engaged with the stopper 250 as well as the first gears 310a and 310b, as described above, and thus may be formed as a compound gear for this purpose. have. In more detail, the second gear 320a may include a drive gear 321a and a driven gear 322a coupled to one shaft. In addition, the other second gear 320b may also include a drive gear 321b and a driven gear 322b coupled to one shaft. Therefore, in these second gears (320a, 320b), the drive gears (321a, 321b) can be meshed with the first gears (310a, 320b), respectively, the driven gears (322a, 322b) and the stopper 250 Can be interlocked. In addition, as mentioned above, the driving gears 321a and 321b may be meshed with each other in order to mutually mesh the second gears 320a and 320b. As well as shown in Figure 19, for more stable engagement and driving with the stopper 250, any one of the second gear (320a) may include a pair of driven gears (322a), these are the drive gear It may be disposed at both ends of the longitudinal direction or the axial direction of (321a), respectively. Similarly, the other second gear 320b may also include a pair of driven gears 322b, and these may be disposed at both ends of the drive gear 321b in the longitudinal direction or the axial direction, respectively. Since the second gears 320a and 320b are directly meshed with each other by their driving gears 321a and 321b, they can rotate in opposite directions. On the other hand, in the second gear 320a, since the driving and driven gears 321a and 322a are coupled to the same shaft, they can rotate in the same direction, and likewise, the other second gear 320b is also driven. And since the driven gears 321b and 322b are coupled to the same shaft, they can rotate in the same direction. Accordingly, the driving and driven gears 321a and 322a of any one second gear 320a can rotate in a direction opposite to the driving and driven gears 321b and 322b of the other second gear 320b. I can. The axes of the first and second gears 310a, 310b, 320a, and 320b described above are connected by a plurality of links 350, and accordingly, the first and second gears 310a, 310b, 320a, 320b) is coupled to each other and can rotate stably.

In addition, to be driven by the second gears 320a and 320b, the stopper 250 may include a rack gear 254 meshing with the second gears 320a and 320b. The rack gear 254 is the body 251 of the stopper 250 so as to be engaged with the interlocking mechanism 300, in particular its second gears 320a, 320b, as well as shown in FIG. 20 as well as other drawings. It may be elongated toward the interlocking mechanism 300 from. Like the stopper 250 and the holder 240, the rack gear 254 may be disposed between the first and second bodies 101 and 102 of the mobile terminal 100. The rack gear 254 may also be aligned with the slot 243 of the holder 240 for movement for selective insertion of the stopper 250 into the block assembly 201. That is, the rack gear 254 is disposed in parallel with the slot 243 in the rotation axis direction of the mobile terminal 100 or its bodies 101 and 102, and the slot 243 is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the block assembly 201. Can be extended with Since this rack gear 254 has substantially the same orientation as the stopper 250 and the holder 240, the stopper 250 and holder 240 described above with respect to the additional orientation and arrangement of the rack gear 254 The orientation and arrangement of are referenced, and further description is omitted.

More specifically, in order to mesh with both of the second gears 320a and 320b described above, the rack gear 254 may be disposed between the second gears 320a and 320b facing each other, and may be It can have a flat plate or strip body. To be precise, the rack gear 254 may be disposed between the driven gears 322a and 322b of the second gears 320a and 320b. In addition, the rack gear 254, that is, portions or surfaces facing the second gears 320a and 320b of the body thereof may have teeth formed, and accordingly, the rack gear 254 It can be configured to mesh with both the second gears 320a and 320b, precisely their driven gears 322a and 322b. Such a rack gear 254 may convert the rotational motion of the second gears 320a and 320b into linear motion. In addition, the rack gear 254 may reciprocate in different directions according to the rotation direction of the second gears 320a and 320b, that is, in a direction toward the block assembly 201 and/or in a direction away from the block assembly 201. I can. Accordingly, the supporter 250 may be selectively inserted into the block assembly 201 by such movement of the rack gear 254. That is, the supporter 250 may be inserted into the block assembly 201 or separated or removed from the block assembly 201. In addition, so as to mesh with both of the pair of driven gears 232a of the second gear 230a described above and the pair of driven gears 232a of the other second gear 230b, FIG. 19, As shown in FIGS. 20 and 22, the stopper 250 may include a pair of rack gears 254. The pair of rack gears 254 may be spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the stopper 250 to match the positions of the driven gears 232a and 232b.

Meanwhile, the first gears 310a and 310b may be interlocked or connected with the bodies 101 and 102 by various methods so as to rotate together with the first and second bodies 101 and 102. As an example, the interlocking mechanism 300 may include levers 330a and 330b configured to connect the first gears 310a and 310b and the bodies 101 and 102. First, the lever 330a extends between the first body 101 and the first gear 310a, and may be coupled with them. That is, the lever 330a may include a first end connected to the first gear 310a and a second end connected to the first body 101. The first gear 310a may be formed separately and coupled to the first end of the lever 330a, and may be integrally formed with the first end of the lever 330a, as shown. The shaft of the first gear 310a may be provided at the first end of the lever 330a. Similarly, the other lever 330b extends between the second body 102 and the first gear 310b, and may be coupled thereto. That is, the lever 330b may include a first end connected to the first gear 310b and a second end connected to the second body 102. The first gear 310b may be formed separately and coupled to the first end of the lever 330b, and may be integrally formed with the first end of the lever 330b, as shown. The shaft of the first gear 310b may be provided at the first end of the lever 330b. Like a conventional lever, the levers 330a and 330b may rotate opposite to each other at both ends of the support point. For example, these support points may be rotational axes of the first gears 310a and 310b provided to them 330a and 330b. Therefore, the first end of the lever 330a, that is, the first gear 310a, can rotate relative to the second gear 320a, and opposite to the second end of the lever 330a, that is, the first body 101. have. Similarly, the first end of the lever 330b, that is, the other first gear 310b, is also opposite to the second end of the lever 330b, that is, the second body 102 relative to the second gear 320b. Can rotate. In addition to the levers 330a and 330b, the interlocking mechanism 300 may use another mechanism for rotating the first gears 310a and 310b in directions opposite to the first and second bodies 101 and 102. In addition, since the second gear (320a: 321a, 322a) rotates in the opposite direction to the first gear (310a) meshed therewith, the second gear (320a) can actually rotate in the same direction as the first body (101). have. Similarly, the other second gear (320b: 321b, 322b) rotates in the opposite direction to the first gear (310b) meshed therewith, so the second gear (320b) is actually in the same direction as the second body (102). Can rotate.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, as an example, the interlocking mechanism 300 also faces the intended first and third surfaces 101a and 102a and the second and fourth surfaces For the second state to face (101b, 102b), it needs to be deformed while forming a predetermined curvature. However, referring to FIGS. 8 and 17, since the interlocking mechanism 300 is disposed inside the hinge 200 in the direction of the radius of curvature R, it may have a relatively shorter radius of curvature than the first hinge 200. have. Therefore, the interlocking mechanism 300 is deformed to a greater curvature than the hinge 200 and at the same time is relatively compressed. If the interlocking mechanism 300 has a fixed length between the sides 101c and 102c, it may be distorted by this overall compression, and the intended operation cannot be achieved. In addition, the twisted interlocking mechanism 300 may interfere with or break the adjacent hinge 200. For at least this reason, the interlocking mechanism 300 may be configured to be slidably connected or coupled to the first and second bodies 101 and 102.

More specifically, referring to FIGS. 16-19, the first ends of the levers 330a and 330b are the first gears 310a and 310b around the rotational axis of the first gears 310a and 310b provided thereto. ) Can be relatively rotatable. On the other hand, the second end of any one lever 330a may be slidably coupled to the first body 101. Specifically, the second end of the lever 330a may be slidably coupled to the first bodies 101 in a lateral direction of the first body 101. Likewise, the second end of the other lever 330b may be slidably coupled to the second body 102. To be precise, the second end of the lever 330b may be slidably coupled to the second body 102 in the lateral direction of the second body 102. For this coupling, an interlocking mechanism is provided on the first and second bodies 101, respectively, and therein, levers 330a and 330b, that is, a bracket 340a for slidably receiving the second ends thereof, respectively. ,340b). The brackets 340a and 340b may be disposed adjacent to the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b like other parts of the interlocking mechanism 300. In addition, the brackets 340a and 340b may include levers 330a and 330b, that is, slots 341a and 341b for receiving the second ends thereof and guiding them to be movable. Accordingly, the interlocking mechanism 300 may be rotatably connected to the first and second bodies 101 and 102 while being slidably connected by the levers 330a and 330b and the brackets 340a and 340b.

In the unfolded state of the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 16 (that is, the second state), the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are connected to the third and third surfaces so that the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b become close. When rotated in the four directions (R3, R4), as shown in Fig. 17, both sides of the interlocking mechanism 200, that is, the levers (330a, 330b) are guided by the brackets (340a, 340b), the first And moving toward the second bodies 101 and 102, and may be inserted into these bodies 101 and 102. By the movement of the levers 330a and 330b, the interlocking mechanism 300 may have a reduced length between the first and second bodies 101 and 102 as a whole, and thus absorb the overall compression applied without distortion. . On the other hand, in a state in which the mobile terminal 100 is folded (ie, in the first state) so that the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b shown in FIG. 17 face each other, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are When the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b are rotated in the first and second directions R1 and R2 so that they are away from each other, as shown in FIG. 16, both sides of the interlocking mechanism 200, that is, the levers 330a , 330b) is guided by the brackets 340a and 340b and moves away from the first and second bodies 101 and 102 and may be withdrawn from these bodies 101 and 102. By the movement of these levers (330a, 330b), the interlocking mechanism (300) as a whole can return back to the extended length between the first and second bodies (101, 102), thereby allowing a relatively applied tension. I can. On the other hand, in the second state of FIG. 16, when the mobile terminal 100 is switched to the third state shown in FIG. 18 so that the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a face each other, the previously described FIG. 17 Contrary to the first state, the interlocking mechanism 300 may be further subjected to tension relative to the hinge 200. Therefore, during the transition from the second state of FIG. 16 to the third state of FIG. 18, the flanges 330a and 330b are guided by the brackets 340a and 340b, and the first and second bodies 101 and 102 It moves further away from and can be additionally withdrawn from these bodies 101 and 102. Conversely, when the mobile terminal 100 is switched from the third state of FIG. 18 to the first state of FIG. 16, or during this transition, the levers 330a and 330b are guided by the brackets 340a and 340b, It moves toward the first and second bodies 101 and 102 and can be inserted into these bodies 101 and 102. By such slidable levers 330a and 330b, the interlocking mechanism 300 may have a variable length between the sides 101c and 102c. Thus, the interlocking mechanism 300 can achieve an intended deformation allowing rotation of the first and second bodies 101 and 102 without distortion or breakage.

In addition, the interlocking mechanism 300 has parts 310-350 disposed between the first and second bodies 101, 102, and these parts 310-350 are of the first and second bodies 101, 102. It can interfere with the hinge 200 while rotating together by the rotation. For this reason, the block 210 of the hinge 200 is formed in a part of the body 211 facing the interlocking mechanism 300, and a recess 213 extending inwardly of the body 211 It may include. In addition, for the same reason, the stopper 250 is also formed on a part of the body 251 facing the interlocking mechanism 300 and may include a recess 255 extending in the inner direction of the body 251. Since the recess 255 is disposed to correspond to the interlocking mechanism 300, a rack gear 254 meshed with the interlocking mechanism 300 may also be disposed in the recess 255. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the recesses 213 and 255 may be connected to each other in the block assembly 201 to form one large recess formed along the interlocking mechanism 300. Accordingly, the interlocking mechanism 300 may be accommodated by the recesses 213 and 255 during operation, and thus may not interfere with the hinge 200.

In consideration of the configuration described above, the interlocking mechanism may operate the stopper 250 as intended, only with parts interlocking with any one of the first and second bodies 101 and 102. For example, the interlocking mechanism 300 is a first gear 310 connected to any one of the first and second bodies 101 and 102, and the first gear 310 and the stopper 250 respectively meshing It may include 2 gears (320). For the same reason, the interlocking mechanism 300 is a first or second body to receive the lever 330 and the lever 330 connecting the first gear 310 and the first or second body 101, 102 mentioned above. It may include a bracket 340 provided on 101 and 102.

Under the overall configuration of the interlocking mechanism 300, in the unfolded state (second state) of the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 16, between the central blocks 210, that is, the first and second block assemblies ( A sufficient gap may be formed between 210a and 210b). In this second state, the interlocking mechanism 300 may be configured to place the stopper 250 within the gap between the formed block assembly 201 by interlocking the aforementioned parts thereof and the rack gear 254. . That is, the interlocking mechanism 300 may move the stopper 250 to be inserted into the block assembly 201 in the third state. The operation of the stopper 250 and the hinge 200 connected thereto in the second state as described above is referred to as described in FIG. 7, and further description is omitted.

Meanwhile, in a state in which the stopper 250 shown in FIG. 16 is interposed between the block assemblies 201 and the mobile terminal 100 is unfolded (the second state), the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are It may start to rotate in the third and fourth directions R3 and R4 so that the four sides 101b and 102b get closer. While starting or performing such a rotation (that is, while the mobile terminal 100 is being converted from the second state in FIG. 16 to the first state), the first gears 310a and 310b are the first and second gears. It can rotate in directions (T1, T2) opposite to the rotation directions (R3, R4) of the bodies 101 and 102, respectively, and again, the second gears 320a and 320b are the rotational directions of the bodies 101 and 102 ( It can rotate in the same directions T3 and T4 as R3 and R4. By such rotation of the second gears 320a and 320b, the rack gear 254 can translate in the direction of the arrow A2 (that is, in the direction of the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a). have. Therefore, in the first state shown in FIG. 17, the stopper 254 is still inserted into the block assembly 201, and from the convex assembly 201 toward the display 151 (that is, the first and second It may protrude further toward the three surfaces 101a and 101b), and thus, the display 151 deformed with a large curvature may be supported together with other blocks 210. The operation of the stopper 250 and the hinge 200 connected thereto in the second state as described above is referred to as described in FIG. 8, and further description is omitted. In addition, in the first state shown in FIG. 17, in the first state of the mobile terminal 100, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 rotate in the opposite first and second directions R1 and R2. You can start. As shown in FIG. 17, during the start of the rotation or during the rotation (ie, the mobile terminal 100 is being converted from the first state of FIG. 17 to the second state of FIG. 16), the first gears (310a, 310b) can be rotated in directions (T3, T4) opposite to the rotational directions (R1, R2) of the first and second bodies (101, 102), respectively, and again the second gears (320a, 320b) ) May rotate in the same directions (T1, T2) as the rotation directions (R1, R1) of the bodies (101, 102). By such rotation of the second gears 320a and 320b, the rack gear 254 can be translated in the direction of the arrow A1 (ie, in the direction of the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b). Accordingly, the mobile terminal 100 can be restored to the second state shown in FIG. 16. In addition, the stopper 254 may be moved in the direction of the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b while maintaining the state of being inserted into the block assembly 201. Accordingly, the stopper 254 may form the same plane as the other blocks 210 and support the flattened display 151 together with the other blocks 210.

On the other hand, in a state in which the stopper 250 shown in FIG. 16 is interposed between the block assemblies 201 and the mobile terminal 100 is unfolded (the second state), the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are It may start to rotate in the first and second directions R1 and R2 so that the third surfaces 101a and 102a become close. While starting or performing such a rotation (that is, while the mobile terminal 100 is being converted from the second state in FIG. 16 to the third state), the first gears 310a and 310b are the first and second gears. It can rotate in directions (T3, T4) opposite to the rotation directions (R1, R2) of the bodies (101, 102), and again, the second gears (320a, 320b) are rotated in the direction of rotation of the bodies (101, 102) ( It can rotate in the same directions T1 and T2 as R1 and R2. By such rotation of the second gears 320a and 320b, the rack gear 254 can translate in the direction of the arrow A1 (that is, the direction of the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b). have. Accordingly, in the third state shown in FIG. 18, the stopper 254 may be separated or removed from the block assembly 201. The operation of the stopper 250 and the hinge 200 connected thereto in the second state as described above is referred to as described in FIG. In addition, in the third state of the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 18, the first and second bodies 101 and 102 may start to rotate in the third and fourth directions R3 and R4 which are opposite directions. As shown in FIG. 18, during the start of the rotation or during the execution of the rotation (ie, the mobile terminal 100 is being converted from the third state of FIG. 18 to the second state of FIG. 16), the first gears (310a, 310b) can be rotated in directions (T1, T2) opposite to the rotational directions (R3, R4) of the first and second bodies 101 and 102, respectively, and again, the second gears 320a, 320b ) May rotate in the same directions (T3, T4) as the rotation directions (R3, R4) of the bodies (101, 102). By the rotation of the second gears 320a and 320b, the rack gear 254 can be translated in the direction of the arrow A2 (ie, the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a). Accordingly, the mobile terminal 100 can be restored to the second state shown in FIG. 16.

Considering such a series of operations, the interlocking mechanism 300 rotates so that the first and second bodies 101 and 102 of the mobile terminal 100 come close to or face the second and fourth surfaces 101b and 102b. The stopper 250 may be moved toward the hinge 200, that is, its block assembly 201. Conversely, the interlocking mechanism 300 is a hinge 200, that is, while the first and second bodies 101 and 102 of the mobile terminal 100 rotate so that the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a are closer to or facing each other. The stopper 250 may be moved away from its block assembly 201. As a result of this movement, the interlocking mechanism 300 stops when the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are rotated so that the second and fourth sides 101b and 102b face each other (i.e., in the first state). The block 250 may be disposed between the block assembly 201 or the blocks 210. Further, even when the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are oriented horizontally to form the same plane (i.e., in the second state), the interlocking mechanism 300 still attaches the stopper 250 to the block assembly 201, or It may be disposed between the blocks 210. Meanwhile, the interlocking mechanism 300 blocks the stopper 250 when the first and second bodies 101 and 102 are rotated so that the first and third surfaces 101a and 102a face each other (ie, in a third state). The assembly 201 or the blocks 210 may be separated from or withdrawn so that they are not interposed. By appropriately moving the stopper 250 to the aforementioned positions, the interlocking assembly 300 makes the first and second bodies 101 and 102 rotatable in the intended directions, thereby achieving the 1-3 states. I can.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects and should be considered as illustrative. The scope of this application should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of this application are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (25)

1. A first body including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface;

   A second body provided rotatably on the first body and including a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface;

   The first and second bodies are coupled, and the first and second bodies are rotated in the first and second directions so that the first and third surfaces are close to each other, and the second and fourth surfaces are close to each other. A hinge configured to rotate the first and second bodies in third and fourth directions, respectively; And

   It is provided over the first and third surfaces, and the first and second bodies are exposed to the outside when the second and fourth surfaces rotate to face each other, and the first and second bodies are exposed to the first and second bodies. Mobile terminal comprising a display configured to be hidden when the three sides rotate to face.
2. The method of claim 1,

   Adjacent sides of the first and second bodies are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.
3. The method of claim 1,

   The hinge is a mobile terminal disposed between the side portions of the first and second bodies.
4. The method of claim 1,

   The hinge is:

   A block assembly consisting of a plurality of blocks arranged parallel to each other and extending in the longitudinal direction of the first and second bodies; And

   A mobile terminal provided at ends of the blocks and including a link assembly configured to connect the blocks to each other.
5. The method of claim 4,

   Each of the blocks includes a body configured to support the display and axes extending from both ends of the body.
6. The method of claim 4,

   When the first and second bodies are relatively rotated so that the second and fourth surfaces become close, the block assembly is configured to contract.
7. The method of claim 4,

   When the first and second bodies are relatively rotated so that the second and fourth surfaces face each other, the blocks are configured to reduce a gap therebetween.
8. The method of claim 4,

   When the first and second bodies are relatively rotated so that the first and third surfaces become close, the block assembly is configured to expand.
9. The method of claim 4,

   When the first and second bodies are relatively rotated so that the first and third surfaces become close, the blocks are configured to increase the spacing between them.
10. The method of claim 4,

    Each of the blocks is configured to have a cross section that gradually decreases while extending toward the second and fourth surfaces.
11. The method of claim 4,

    The link assembly is:

    A first link connecting a pair of adjacent blocks; And

    A mobile terminal comprising a second link connecting two pairs of blocks disposed adjacent to each other while being connected by the first link, respectively.
12. The method of claim 4,

    The hinge is configured to be movable between the first and second bodies, and selectively moving the first and second bodies in the first and second directions so that the first and third surfaces face each other. The mobile terminal further comprising a stopper configured to allow.
13. The method of claim 12,

    The stopper is configured to be selectively interposed between the blocks.
14. The method of claim 13,

    When the stopper is interposed between the blocks, the mobile terminal is configured to prevent the first and second bodies from rotating in the first and second directions so that the first and third surfaces face each other.
15. The method of claim 12,

    When the stopper is not interposed between the blocks, the mobile terminal is configured to allow the first and second bodies to rotate in the first and second directions so that the first and third surfaces face each other.
16. The method of claim 12,

    The hinge further comprises a holder configured to guide the movement of the stopper.
17. The method of claim 12,

    The hinge is connected to the first and second bodies, the mobile terminal further comprising an interlock mechanism configured to interlock the rotation of the first and second bodies and the movement of the stopper.
18. The method of claim 17,

    The interlocking mechanism is configured to interpose the stopper between the blocks when the first and second bodies are rotated so that the second and fourth surfaces face each other.
19. The method of claim 17,

    The interlocking mechanism is configured to withdraw the stopper from the blocks when the first and second bodies are rotated so that the first and third surfaces face each other.
20. The method of claim 17,

    The interlocking mechanism is a mobile terminal comprising a gear train configured to linearly reciprocate the stopper.
21. The method of claim 17,

    The interlocking mechanism is:

    A first gear connected to the first or second body and configured to rotate together when the first or second body rotates;

    And a second gear engaged with the first gear and the stopper, respectively, and moving the stopper while rotating by the rotation of the first gear.
22. The method of claim 21,

    The stopper is a mobile terminal including a rack gear meshed with the second gear for linear reciprocating motion.
23. The method of claim 21,

    The interlocking mechanism further comprises a lever connected to the first gear and slidably coupled to the first or second body.
24. The method of claim 23,

    The interlocking mechanism further comprises a bracket provided on the first or second body and slidably receiving the lever.
25. The method of claim 1,

    The hinge is configured to be deformed to have a predetermined curvature in order to rotate the first and second bodies.

Images