JP2018132129A - Multiaxial hinge device and display device employing the multiaxial hinge device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multiaxial hinge device capable of following a change in a circumferential length of a flexible display panel with an extending/folding operation.SOLUTION: A multiaxial hinge device is disposed at a rear side of a flexible display panel that is spread over front sides of a first housing and a second housing and creates an extending state where the flexible display panel is made flat and a bent state in which the flexible display panel is brought into a folded state. The multiaxial hinge device consists of single or more hinge units. The hinge unit consists of a pair of fitting pieces to be fitted to a first housing side and a second housing side, and multiple coupling pieces that are provided between the fitting pieces. Each of the fitting pieces and each of the coupling pieces include guide holes through which multiple coupling shafts are inserted. Thus, the coupling shafts are moved along the guide holes with an opening/closing operation of the flexible display panel and a circumferential length of the hinge unit is enabled to follow a change in the circumferential length of the flexible display panel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a multi-axis hinge device suitable for use when unfolding and folding a flexible display panel having flexibility such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel or a liquid crystal panel, and a display using the multi-axis hinge. Related to equipment.

  A display device in which a plurality of casings are continuously connected so as to be folded back by a flexible display panel such as a single organic EL panel or liquid crystal panel, and one casing and a casing adjacent thereto can be opened and closed. For example, it is proposed in the following Patent Document 1. In the display device, both sides of the flexible display panel are sandwiched between each casing and a frame member, and when a pair of casings are overlapped, the folded portion of the flexible display panel is formed into a curved shape with a predetermined radius in the elastic deformation region. At the same time, when the pair of housings are opened, the folded portion is developed in a straight line by the restoring force of the flexible display panel, and a large display surface is obtained.

  However, in the display device described in Patent Document 1, adjacent housings are connected only by the flexible display panel, and the flexible display panel repeats bending and unfolding operations at the folded portion every time an opening / closing operation is performed. The flexible display panel itself is prone to fatigue and damage and has a short life.

  Patent Document 2 below discloses a multi-axis hinge in which a multi-axis synchronous rotation mechanism is provided in the hinge so that a predetermined curvature can be maintained without causing the bent portion to be crushed more than necessary. .

  However, in the multi-axis hinge described in Patent Document 2, since the circumference of the folded portion increases and decreases with the opening and closing operation, an excessive deformation force is applied to the flexible display panel, and the flexible display panel deteriorates due to repetition thereof. There is a risk of damage, and in order to avoid this, if there is play in the flexible display panel installation, there was a problem that the flexible display panel moved and input operation by panel touch could not be performed accurately .

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-064570 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-169813

  An object of the present invention is to provide a flexible display panel that can be used as a display screen of a notebook computer or tablet in a state where a flexible display panel can be unfolded and folded so that the circumference of the multi-axis hinge device can be opened and closed. Provided are a multi-axis hinge device capable of preventing deterioration of the flexible display panel due to an increase in the frequency of unfolding and folding, and a display device using this multi-axis hinge device by being configured to change following the change in circumference It is something to be done.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the multi-axis hinge device according to claim 1 is spanned between the first casing and the second casing on the surface side of the first casing and the second casing. A multi-axis hinge device that is arranged on the back side of a flexible display panel and creates a flattened expanded state of the flexible display panel and a bent state of a folded state. The multi-axis hinge device includes one or a plurality of hinge units. The hinge unit is composed of a pair of mounting pieces that are respectively attached to the first housing side and the second housing side, and a plurality of connecting pieces provided between the mounting pieces. And a guide slot for inserting a plurality of connecting shafts in each connecting piece, thereby opening the flexible display panel between the expanded state and the folded state. In operation, the connection shaft moves along the guide slot so that the circumferential length of the hinge unit can follow the change in the circumferential length of the flexible display panel. Features.

  In a multi-axis hinge device according to claim 2 as a preferred embodiment, the hinge unit is provided between a pair of attachment pieces attached to the first housing side and the second housing side, and between the attachment pieces. A plurality of connecting pieces, and each mounting piece and each connecting piece provided with a guide long hole is a minimum unit, and the minimum unit is arranged in parallel in the axial direction as a pair. It is characterized in that it is configured to be rotatably connected by a plurality of connecting shafts through each guide long hole.

  A multiaxial hinge according to claim 3 as a preferred embodiment is characterized in that a plurality of hinge units according to claim 2 are further connected in the axial direction by a mounting plate.

  A multi-axis hinge device according to claim 4 as a preferred embodiment is provided between adjacent connecting shafts of the plurality of connecting shafts, and is a friction guide oblong hole slightly narrower than the outer diameter of the connecting shaft. And a braking plate for providing a friction function and / or a free stop function with respect to the opening / closing operation by inserting the connecting shaft into the friction guide elongated hole. However, the form of the brake plate is not limited to this.

  The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 5 as a preferred embodiment is configured such that the length of the friction guide elongated hole of the braking plate is set to a predetermined value so that one end thereof functions as a stopper. Each of the connection portions of the plurality of connection pieces is configured not to further rotate in the opening direction from the expanded state. However, the form of the stopper is not limited to this.

  In the multi-axis hinge device according to claim 6 as a preferred embodiment, each of the connection pieces includes a first connection protrusion formed with a circular hole through which the connection shaft is inserted on both side surfaces along the axial direction thereof. And a first recess for receiving the first or second connection protrusion of one of the adjacent connection pieces to be connected to both sides of the connection piece. And a second recess for receiving the first or second connection protrusion of the other adjacent connection piece. However, the form of the connecting piece is not limited to this.

  The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 7 as a preferred embodiment includes the first or second connection protrusion of the connection piece and the first of the other connection pieces to be connected to both sides of the connection piece. Alternatively, the second connecting protrusion is connected by the connecting shaft, the inner end surface of the first or second connecting protrusion of the connecting piece, and the first or second connecting protrusion of the other connecting piece. The inner end face is connected in a state of being opposed to each other, and the inner end face of the second connecting protrusion is formed with an arc-shaped side groove or an arc-shaped side groove along the periphery of the guide slot, and the first connection An arcuate groove or an arcuate groove that fits with the arcuate side groove or the arcuate side groove is formed on the inner end surface of the protrusion. However, the form of the connecting piece is not limited to this.

  The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 8 as a preferred embodiment is characterized in that an extension stem is attached to the outer end of the connecting piece.

  In order to solve the above problem, a display device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention includes the multi-axis hinge device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

  When the multi-axis hinge device according to the first aspect of the present invention is used, the connecting shaft is inserted into the guide long holes respectively provided in the plurality of mounting pieces and the plurality of connecting pieces, so that the connecting shaft has the guide length. The multi-axis hinge device can be moved along the hole, so that the circumference of the multi-axis hinge device can be expanded and contracted during operation of the multi-axis hinge device. It can be opened and closed while following. Therefore, excessive force is not applied to the flexible display panel during the opening / closing operation, and deterioration and damage of the flexible display panel can be effectively prevented.

  According to the multi-axis hinge device according to the second aspect, the hinge unit can function as a minimum unit of the multi-axis hinge device.

  According to the multi-axis hinge device according to the third aspect, one hinge unit that can be used as a single unit can be configured.

  In the multi-axis hinge device according to the fourth aspect, by providing the brake plate, a predetermined friction function and a free stop function can be generated in the opening and closing operation of the multi-axis hinge device, and convenience in use is provided. Can be secured.

  When the multi-axis hinge device according to claim 5 is used, the length of the guide elongated hole is set to a predetermined value, and one end portion thereof functions as a stopper, so that the multi-axis hinge device is bent in the opposite direction (so-called "Reverse warping") or bending more than necessary, and it is possible to prevent the flexible display panel from being damaged by applying excessive force.

  When the multi-axis hinge device according to the sixth aspect is used, the protrusions formed on the side surfaces of the one connection piece adjacent to each other are connected in a state of fitting into the recesses formed on the side surface of the other connection piece. Therefore, the entire multi-axis hinge device can be configured compactly and can be suitably used for a thin casing such as a tablet.

  When the multi-axis hinge device according to the above-described seventh aspect is employed, in a state where the arc-shaped hozo provided on one of the connecting pieces adjacent to each other and the arc-shaped hozo groove provided on the other connecting piece are fitted together, Since the connecting pieces move in a circular arc shape, a smooth and stable opening / closing operation is possible.

  When the display device according to the eighth aspect is used, various effects as described above of the multi-axis hinge device according to the first to eighth aspects can be achieved, and a display device having excellent durability can be provided.

It is a perspective view which shows the expansion | deployment state of one Example of the display apparatus provided with the multi-axis hinge apparatus based on this invention. It is the perspective view which shows the folding state of the display apparatus of FIG. 1, and the one part enlarged view. It is a perspective view which shows 1 unit which comprises the multi-axis hinge apparatus based on this invention used for the display apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of one unit shown in FIG. 3. The 1st attachment piece in the multi-axis hinge apparatus which concerns on this invention is shown, (a) is the perspective view, (b) is a left view. It is a perspective view which shows the axial support plate in the multiaxial hinge apparatus which concerns on this invention. The 1st connection piece in the multiaxial hinge apparatus which concerns on this invention is shown, (a) is the perspective view seen from the upper right direction, (b) is a right view, (c) is the perspective view seen from the lower left direction, d) is a left side view. The 2nd connection piece in the multi-axis hinge apparatus which concerns on this invention is shown, (a) is the perspective view seen from the upper right direction, (b) is a right view, (c) is the perspective view seen from the lower left direction, ( d) is a left side view. The 3rd connection piece in the multi-axis hinge apparatus which concerns on this invention is shown, (a) is the perspective view seen from the lower right direction, (b) is a right view, (c) is the perspective view seen from the upper left direction, (D) is a left side view. The 4th connection piece in the multiaxial hinge device concerning the present invention is shown, (a) is the perspective view seen from the upper left direction, (b) is the left side view, (c) is the perspective view seen from the lower right direction, (D) is a right side view. The 5th connection piece in the multi-axis hinge device concerning the present invention is shown, (a) is the perspective view seen from the lower right direction, (b) is the right side view, (c) is the perspective view seen from the upper left direction, (D) is a left side view. The 6th connection piece in the multi axis hinge device concerning the present invention is shown, (a) is the perspective view seen from the lower right direction, (b) is the right view, (c) is the perspective view seen from the upper left direction, (D) is a left side view. The 7th connection piece in the multiaxial hinge device concerning the present invention is shown, (a) is the perspective view seen from the upper right direction, (b) is the right side view, (c) is the perspective view seen from the lower left direction, d) is a left side view. The 8th connection piece in the multi-axis hinge apparatus which concerns on this invention is shown, (a) is the perspective view seen from the upper right direction, (b) is a right view, (c) is the perspective view seen from the lower left direction, d) is a left side view. The 1st brake plate in the multi-axis hinge apparatus which concerns on this invention is shown, (a) is the perspective view, (b) is a left view. The 2nd brake plate in the multi-axis hinge apparatus which concerns on this invention is shown, (a) is the perspective view, (b) is a left view. The 3rd brake plate in the multi-axis hinge apparatus which concerns on this invention is shown, (a) is the perspective view, (b) is a right view. The 4th brake plate in the multi-axis hinge apparatus which concerns on this invention is shown, (a) is the perspective view, (b) is a right view. It is a perspective view which shows the attachment plate used at the time of use of the multi-axis hinge apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the multi-axis hinge apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is a figure which shows the full open state. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the multi-axis hinge apparatus based on this invention, and is a figure which shows the semi-closed state. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the multi-axis hinge apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is a figure which shows the fully closed state.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. According to the drawings, the multi-axis hinge device 1 according to the present invention is shown in which a plurality of hinge units 5A to 5F are connected in the axial direction by mounting plates, but the number of hinge units is not limited. For example, depending on the size of the flexible display panel 4, even a single hinge unit can function. In addition, the multi-axis hinge device 1 according to the present invention is provided along the back side of the flexible display panel 4 attached to the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, with the display surface of the flexible display panel 4 facing outside. Although it is suitable for use in bending and developing, it can also be used for those that can be bent and developed with the display surface on the inside.

[Configuration of Multi-axis Hinge Device According to the Present Invention]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a developed state of an embodiment of a display device having a multi-axis hinge device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a folded state of the display device of FIG. It is a figure and its one part enlarged view.

  The display device 1 includes a first housing 2, a second housing 3, and a single sheet of, for example, an organic EL panel or a liquid crystal panel spanned on the outer surfaces of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3. The flexible display panel 4 is provided between the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 so as to contact the back side of the flexible disk panel 4 and connect the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 so as to be openable and closable. The multi-axis hinge device 5 is provided. The flexible display panel 4 is attached to the first housing 2 at one end in the longitudinal direction, and similarly attached to the second housing 3 at the other end in the longitudinal direction. Are attached to appropriate positions such as the first housing 2, the second housing 3, and the multi-axis hinge device 5. The contents of the video to be displayed on the single flexible display panel 4 and the manner of display thereof vary widely depending on the user, but in the unfolded state as shown in FIG. 1, for example, a relay video of one sports game Is displayed on the entire screen in the unfolded state, and in the folded state as shown in FIG. 2, the same image obtained by reducing the size of the relay image to half is simultaneously displayed on both the folded upper and lower screens. be able to. Alternatively, in the folded state as shown in FIG. 2, the upper screen displays a mail or other document creation screen, and the lower screen displays a dictionary screen required at that time. You can also

  In the example shown in FIG. 22, the flexible display panel 4 is provided directly on the outer surface of the multi-axis hinge device 5. However, in other embodiments, the outer surface of the multi-axis hinge device 5 is not a metal thin plate or stretched. An auxiliary cover made of a high-strength plastic sheet may be attached, and a flexible display panel 4 may be provided thereon to prevent damage to the flexible display panel 4.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-axis hinge device 5 according to the present invention includes, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, six sets of first hinge unit 5A to sixth hinge unit having the same configuration connected in the axial direction. 5F, and the first hinge unit 5A to the sixth hinge unit 5F are attached to the first casing 2 and the second casing 3 via mounting plates 84 and 85 attached with a common axis. It is supposed to be. The mounting plate 84 of the first hinge unit 5A (see also FIGS. 1, 3, 19, and 22) is inserted into the mounting plate of the first mounting piece 57 on one long side of the main body portion 84a. The first mounting piece 57 is fixed to the first mounting piece 57 by being inserted into the opening 57b and screwed through the mounting screw hole 84b of the mounting plate 84 from the mounting screw hole 57c of the first mounting piece 57. The one long side of the mounting plate 84 is fixed to the third mounting piece 59 adjacent to the first mounting piece 57 of the first hinge unit 5A in the same manner, and the other second hinge unit 5B. It fixes with the same method also with respect to the 1st and 3rd attachment piece of 6th hinge unit 5F. Furthermore, the other long side of the mounting plate 84 is fixed to the housing 2 by a mounting screw 88 (see FIG. 22) using a plurality of mounting screw holes 84c and 84c (see FIG. 19). Fixed to the edge. In the same manner, the other attachment plate 85 has one long side on the second attachment piece 58 and the fourth attachment piece 60 of the first hinge unit 5A to the sixth hinge unit 5F. 1 and FIG. 22), and the other long side is fixed to the fixed side edge of the housing 3 by means of mounting screws 89 (see FIGS. 1 and 22). As described above, the housing 2 and the housing 3 of the display device 1 are connected to each other by the multi-axis hinge device 5 according to the present invention so as to be opened and closed. Next, as described above, the flexible display panel 4 is attached so as to span the multi-axis hinge device 5 across the same one side of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 (FIGS. 1, 2, and FIG. 22). Unlike the example shown in FIG. 22, an auxiliary cover made of a thin metal plate or a high-strength plastic sheet that does not expand and contract is attached between the multi-axis hinge device 5 and the flexible display panel 4 to damage the flexible display panel 4. As described above, it may be prevented.

  Next, the first hinge unit 5A of the six sets of the first hinge unit 5A to the sixth hinge unit 5F forming the multi-axis hinge device 5 will be described, but the other second hinge unit 5B to the second hinge unit 5F will be described. The 6 hinge unit 5F has the same configuration. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first unit 5A is composed of a right part group 5R and a left part group 5L, which are the smallest units, and the right part group 5R and the left part group 5L are the first and first parts. The two spacer plates 51 and 52, the first to fourth support pins 53 to 56, the first to fifth connection shafts 61 to 65, and the washers 79 to 83 are caulked and connected to each other, so that FIG. As shown in FIG. The right part group 5R includes first and second mounting pieces 57 and 58, first to fourth connecting pieces 66 to 69, and first and second braking plates 74 and 75. Similarly, the left part group 5L includes , Third and fourth attachment pieces 59, 60, fifth to eighth connection pieces 70-73, and third and fourth brake plates 76, 77. The parts of the right part group 5R and the parts of the left part group 5L corresponding to them have a mirror-symmetric relationship with each other in shape and are the same in size.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first mounting piece 57 of the right part group 5R includes a main portion 57a, a mounting plate insertion port 57b, a mounting screw hole 57c, support pin holes 57d and 57e, and insertion of a first connecting projection of the connecting piece. It has a mouth 57f and guide long holes 57g and 57h. The second mounting piece 58 of the right part group 5R has the same configuration as the first mounting piece 57, but the axial length is slightly shorter than the first mounting piece 57, as shown in FIG. Central flanges 55a and 56a of third and fourth support pins 55 and 56 can be interposed between a second spacer plate 52, which will be described later. Similarly, the third mounting piece 59 and the fourth mounting piece 60 of the left part group 5L have the same configuration (see FIG. 3), but the third mounting piece 59 is slightly shorter in the axial direction. In addition, the center flanges 53 a and 54 a of the first and second support pins 53 and 54 can be interposed between the first spacer plate 51 and the first spacer plate 51.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the first spacer plate 51 includes a main body 51a, a mounting plate insertion port 51b, support pin holes 51c and 51d, and a long hole 51e. The first spacer plate 51 supplements a gap between the first mounting piece 57 and the third mounting piece 59 that is generated when first to fourth braking plates 74 to 77 described later are partially overlapped with each other. belongs to. The same applies to the second spacer plate 52.

  The first support pin 53 (the configuration of the second support pin 54 to the fourth support pin 56 is also the same, and the designation symbol is shown with a symbol corresponding to the first support pin 53), as shown in FIG. , A flange 53a provided at the center position, a right pin portion 53b, and a left pin portion 53c. The right pin portions 53b and 54b of the first support pin 53 and the second support pin 54 pass through the support pin holes 51c and 51d (see FIG. 6) of the first spacer plate 51, respectively, to support the first mounting piece 57. The pin holes 57d and 57e are inserted. On the other hand, the left pin portions 53c and 54c of the first support pin 53 and the second support pin 54 are inserted into the support pin holes 59d and 59e of the third attachment piece 59, respectively. In this state, the first and third mounting pieces 57 and 59 can move in the axial direction of the first and second support pins 53 and 54 and may drop off. However, the first mounting piece 57 will be described later. The first connection piece 66 is connected, the fifth attachment piece 59 is connected to a fifth connection piece 70 described later, and the first connection shaft 61 is inserted into the first and fifth connection pieces 66 and 70. Since movement in the axial direction is restricted by the head flange 61b of the first connecting shaft 61 and the washer 79 attached by caulking at the tip thereof, the first and third attachment pieces 57, 59 are Axial movement is also restricted so that they do not fall off the first and second support pins 53, 54. The method of connecting the second mounting piece 58 and the fourth mounting piece 60 and the second spacer plate 52 by the third support pin 55 and the fourth support pin 56 is the same as this. That is, the right side pin portions 55 b and 56 b of the third support pin 55 and the fourth support pin 56 are inserted into the support pin holes 58 d and 58 e of the second attachment piece 58, respectively. On the other hand, the left side pin portions 55c and 56c of the third support pin 55 and the fourth support pin 56 pass through the support pin holes 52c and 52d (see FIG. 6) of the second spacer plate 52, respectively, and the fourth mounting piece. 60 are inserted into the support pin holes 60d and 60e. In this state, the second and fourth mounting pieces 58 and 60 can move in the axial direction of the third and fourth support pins 55 and 56 and may drop off. The fourth connection piece 69 is connected, the eighth attachment piece 60 is connected to an eighth connection piece 73 to be described later, and the fifth connection shaft 65 is inserted into these fourth and eighth connection pieces 69, 73, etc. Since the movement in the axial direction is restricted by the head flange 65b of the fifth connecting shaft 65 and the washer 83 attached by caulking at the tip thereof, the second and fourth attachment pieces 58, 60 are Axial movement is also restricted so that they do not fall off the third and fourth support pins 55,56.

  Next, the configuration of the first to fourth connection pieces 66 to 69 and the first and second brake plates 74 and 75 belonging to the right part group 5R assembled by the first to fifth connection shafts 61 to 65 will be described. Since the first to fourth connection pieces 70 to 73 and the first and second brake plates 76 and 77 belonging to the other left side part group 5L have the same configuration, they will be described at the same time. In the illustrated embodiment, the five first to fifth connecting shafts 61 to 65 have the same shape and size.

  The 1st connection shaft 61 (refer FIG. 4) has the shaft part 61a, the head 61b, and the front-end | tip part 61c. The shaft portion 61a passes from the guide long hole 57h of the first attachment piece 57 on the right part group 5R side through the round hole 66d of the first connection piece 66 and again passes through the guide long hole 57g of the first attachment piece 57. After being inserted into the long hole 51e of the first spacer plate 51, it is further inserted into the round hole 77b (see FIG. 18) of the fourth brake plate 77 on the left part group 5L side. Thereafter, similarly to the right side, from the guide long hole 59h of the third mounting piece 59, the circular hole 70d of the fifth connecting piece 70 is passed, again through the guide long hole 59g of the third mounting piece 59, and finally the first The washer 79 is mounted on the tip crimping portion 61c of the connecting shaft 61, and the respective members mounted on the first connecting shaft 61 are rotatable about the axis of the first connecting shaft 61 by crimping the tip. So that it does not fall out.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the specific shape of the first connecting piece 66 is a round hole opened in the main body 66a, the first connecting convex portion 66b, the second connecting convex portion 66c, and the first connecting convex portion 66b. 66d, a guide long hole 66e opened in the second connecting projection 66c, a recess 66f, an inner end surface 66g, and an arcuate boss 66h, and the first connecting projection 66b is inserted into the first mounting piece 57. After being inserted into the opening 57f, the first connecting shaft 61 is inserted into the guide long holes 57g and 57h of the first mounting piece 57 and the round hole 66d of the first connecting piece 66 in the inserted state as described above. Accordingly, the first connection piece 66 is connected to the first attachment piece 57 so as to be rotatable around the first connection shaft 61. The first connection protrusion 67b of the second connection piece 67 (see FIG. 8) is inserted into the recess 66f of the first connection piece 66. The configuration of the fifth connection piece 70 in the left part group 5L is the same as that of the first connection piece 66 except that it is mirror-symmetrical. The specific shape of the fifth connection piece 70 is shown in FIG. As described above, the main portion 70a, the first connecting convex portion 70b, the second connecting convex portion 70c, the round hole 70d opened in the first connecting convex portion 70b, the guide long hole 70e opened in the second connecting convex portion 70c, the concave 70f, an inner end face 70g, and an arcuate boss 70h. The first connecting projection 70b is inserted into the insertion port 59f of the third attachment piece 59, and the first state in the inserted state as described above. The connection shaft 61 is inserted through the guide long holes 59 g and 59 h of the third attachment piece 59 and the round hole 70 d of the fifth connection piece 70. Accordingly, the fifth connection piece 70 is connected to the third attachment piece 59 so as to be rotatable around the first connection shaft 61. The first connection protrusion 71b of the sixth connection piece 71 (see FIG. 12) is inserted into the recess 70f of the fifth connection piece 70.

  Next, similarly to the first connection shaft 61, the second connection shaft 62 (see FIG. 4) has a shaft portion 62a, a head portion 62b, and a tip portion 62c. The shaft portion 62a is a right part group 5R. The third brake plate on the left side part group 5L side after passing through the spacer slot 78 from the round hole 67d of the second connection piece 67 on the side (see FIG. 8), through the guide slot 66e of the first connection piece 66 76 (see FIG. 17) and the friction guide long hole 77c of the fourth brake plate 77 are inserted. Thereafter, similarly to the right side, the washer is passed from the guide long hole 70e of the fifth connection piece 70 through the round hole 71d of the sixth connection piece 71 (see FIG. 12) and finally to the tip caulking portion 62c of the second connection shaft 62. In addition, the members 80 mounted on the second connecting shaft 62 are held so that they can rotate about the axis of the second connecting shaft 62 and do not fall off. It has become so.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the specific shape of the second connection piece 67 is a circle formed in the main portion 67a, the first connection convex portion 67b, the second connection convex portion 67c, and the first connection convex portion 67b. A hole 67d, a guide long hole 67e opened in the second connecting convex portion 67c, a first recess 67f, a second recess 67g, inner end surfaces 67h and 67i, an arc-shaped ridge 67j, and an arc-shaped ridge groove 67k; The first connection projection 67b is inserted into the recess 66f of the first connection piece 66, and the second connection shaft 62 is inserted into the second connection piece 67 from the round hole 67d as described above in the inserted state. The one connecting piece 66 is inserted into the guide long hole 66e. Accordingly, the second connection piece 67 can rotate around the second connection shaft 62, and at the same time, the first connection projection 67 b together with the second connection shaft 62 has the guide elongated hole 66 e of the first connection piece 66. Are connected so as to be movable in a circular arc shape. In that case, an arcuate boss 66h formed on the inner end surface 66g of the recess 66f of the first connection piece 66 and an arcuate fountain groove formed on the inner end surface 67h of the first recess 67f of the second connection piece 67. 67k are slidably fitted to each other, and the arcuate movement can be smoothly performed. The first connection convex portion 68b of the third connection piece 68 (see FIG. 9) is inserted into the second recess 67g of the second connection piece 67. The configuration of the sixth connection piece 71 in the left part group 5L is the same as that of the second connection piece 67 except that it is mirror-symmetrical. The specific shape of the sixth attachment piece 71 is shown in FIG. As described above, the main portion 71a, the first connecting convex portion 71b, the second connecting convex portion 71c, the round hole 71d opened in the first connecting convex portion 71b, the guide long hole 71e opened in the second connecting convex portion 71c, the first It has a first recess 71 f, a second recess 71 g, inner end surfaces 71 h and 71 i, an arcuate ridge 71 j, and an arcuate ridge groove 71 k, and the first connection convex portion 71 b is the recess 70 f of the fifth connection piece 70. The second connecting shaft 62 is inserted into the guide long hole 70e of the fifth connecting piece 70 from the round hole 71d of the sixth connecting piece 71 as described above. Accordingly, the sixth connection piece 71 can rotate around the second connection shaft 62, and at the same time, the first connection convex portion 71 b together with the second connection shaft 62 has the guide long hole 70 e of the fifth connection piece 70. Are connected so as to be movable in a circular arc shape. In that case, an arcuate boss 70h formed on the inner end surface 70g of the recess 70f of the fifth connecting piece 70 and an arcuate fountain groove formed on the inner end surface 71h of the first recess 71f of the sixth connecting piece 71. 71k are slidably fitted to each other, and the arc-shaped movement can be smoothly performed. The first connection protrusion 72b of the seventh connection piece 72 (see FIG. 13) is inserted into the second recess 71g of the sixth connection piece 71.

  Next, similarly to the first connection shaft 61, the third connection shaft 63 (see FIG. 4) also has a shaft portion 63a, a head portion 63b, and a tip portion 63c. The shaft portion 63a is a right part group 5R. The first brake plate 74 on the left side part group 5L side (see FIG. 15) passes from the guide long hole 68e of the third connection piece 68 (see FIG. 9) on the side through the guide long hole 67e of the second connection piece 67. The friction guide long hole 74c and the friction guide long hole 76c (see FIG. 17) of the third brake plate 76 are inserted. Thereafter, as with the right side, the guide long hole 71e of the sixth connection piece 71 passes through the guide long hole 72e of the seventh connection piece 72 (see FIG. 13) and finally reaches the tip caulking portion 63c of the third connection shaft 63. By holding the washer 81 and crimping the tip, the respective members mounted on the third connecting shaft 63 can be rotated around the axis of the third connecting shaft 63 so as not to fall off. It has come to be.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the specific shape of the third connecting piece 68 is a circle formed in the main portion 68a, the first connecting convex portion 68b, the second connecting convex portion 68c, and the second connecting convex portion 68c. A hole 68d, a guide long hole 68e opened in the first connecting convex portion 68b, a first recess 68f, a second recess 68g, inner end surfaces 68h and 68i, an arcuate groove 68j, and an arcuate groove 68k; The first connecting projection 68b is inserted into the second recess 67g of the second connecting piece 67, and the third connecting shaft 63 is inserted into the guide slot of the third connecting piece 68 in the inserted state as described above. The guide elongated hole 67e of the second connecting piece 67 is inserted from 68e. As a result, the third connection piece 68 is connected so that the first connection protrusion 68 b can move in an arc along the guide long hole 67 e of the second connection piece 67. In that case, an arcuate ridge 67j formed on the inner end surface 67i of the second recess 67f of the second connection piece 67 and an arc shape formed on the inner end surface 68h of the first recess 68f of the third connection piece 68. The ridge groove 68j is slidably fitted to each other, and the arcuate movement can be smoothly performed. The second connection protrusion 69c of the fourth connection piece 69 (see FIG. 10) is inserted into the second recess 68g of the third connection piece 68. The structure of the seventh connection piece 72 in the left part group 5L is the same as that of the third connection piece 68 on the right side except that it is mirror-symmetric. The specific shape of the seventh connection piece 72 is shown in FIG. 13, the main portion 72 a, the first connecting convex portion 72 b, the second connecting convex portion 72 c, the round hole 72 d opened in the second connecting convex portion 72 c, and the guide long hole opened in the first connecting convex portion 72 b. 72e, first recess 72f, second recess 72g, inner end surfaces 72h, 72i, arc-shaped ridge groove 72j, arc-shaped ridge 72k, and the first connection convex portion 72b of the sixth connection piece 71 After being inserted into the second recess 71g, the third connecting shaft 63 is inserted into the guide long hole 71e of the sixth connecting piece 71 from the guide long hole 72e of the seventh connecting piece 72 as described above in the inserted state. . As a result, the seventh connection piece 72 is connected such that the first connection projection 72 b can move in an arc along the guide long hole 71 e of the sixth connection piece 71. In that case, an arcuate shape 71j formed on the inner end surface 71i of the second recess 71g of the sixth connection piece 71 and an arc shape formed on the inner end surface 72h of the first recess 72f of the seventh connection piece 72. The ridge groove 72j is slidably fitted to each other, and the arcuate movement can be smoothly performed. The second connection protrusion 73c of the eighth connection piece 73 (see FIG. 14) is inserted into the second recess 72g of the seventh connection piece 72.

  Next, the 4th connection shaft 64 (refer to Drawing 4) also has shaft part 64a, head 64b, and tip part 64c like the 1st connection shaft 61, The shaft part 64a is right side part group 5R. The guide connecting hole 69e of the fourth connecting piece 69 (see FIG. 10) on the side passes through the circular hole 68d of the third connecting piece 68, and further the friction guide long hole 75c of the second brake plate 75 (see FIG. 16). The first brake plate 74 (see FIG. 16) is inserted into the round hole 74b. After that, similarly to the right side, the circular hole 72d of the left seventh connection piece 72 passes through the guide long hole 73e of the eighth connection piece 73 (see FIG. 14), and finally the tip caulking portion 64c of the fourth connection shaft 64. The washer 82 is mounted on the top and the tip is crimped so that the members mounted on the fourth connecting shaft 64 can rotate about the axis of the fourth connecting shaft 64 and do not fall off. It is supposed to be retained.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the specific shape of the fourth connection piece 69 is a circle formed in the main body 69a, the first connection protrusion 69b, the second connection protrusion 69c, and the first connection protrusion 69b. A hole 69d, a guide long hole 69e opened in the second connection convex portion 69c, a recess 69f, an inner end surface 69g, and an arcuate groove 69h, and the second connection convex portion 69c of the third connection piece 68 are provided. After being inserted into the second recess 68g, the fourth connecting shaft 64 is inserted from the guide long hole 69e of the fourth connecting piece 69 into the round hole 68d of the third connecting piece 68 in the inserted state as described above. . As a result, the fourth connection piece 69 is connected such that the first connection projection 69 b can move in an arc shape within the second recess 68 g of the third connection piece 68. In that case, an arcuate ridge 68k formed on the inner end surface 68i of the second recess 68g of the third connecting piece 68 and an arcuate fountain groove formed on the inner end surface 69g of the recess 69f of the fourth connecting piece 69. 69h are slidably fitted to each other, and the arcuate movement can be smoothly performed. The first connection convex portion 69 b of the fourth connection piece 69 is inserted into the insertion port 58 f of the second attachment piece 58 and pivotally supported by the fifth connection shaft 65 as will be described later. The configuration of the eighth connection mounting piece 73 in the left part group 5L is the same as that of the fourth connection piece 69 except that it is mirror-symmetric. The specific shape of the eighth connection piece 73 is shown in FIG. As shown, the main portion 73a, the first connecting convex portion 73b, the second connecting convex portion 73c, the round hole 73d opened in the first connecting convex portion 73b, the guide long hole 73e opened in the second connecting convex portion 73c, It has a recess 73f, an inner end face 73g, and an arcuate groove 73h, and the second connecting projection 73c is inserted into the second recess 72g of the third connecting piece 72, and in the inserted state, the As described above, the fourth connection shaft 64 is inserted from the guide long hole 73 e of the fourth connection piece 73 into the round hole 72 d of the third connection piece 72. As a result, the fourth connection piece 73 is connected such that the first connection protrusion 73 b can move in an arc shape in the second recess 72 g of the third connection piece 72. In that case, an arcuate ridge 72k formed on the inner end surface 72i of the second recess 72g of the third connection piece 72 and an arcuate horn groove formed on the inner end surface 73g of the recess 73f of the fourth connection piece 73. 73h are slidably fitted to each other, and the arcuate movement can be smoothly performed. The first connection convex portion 73 b of the fourth connection piece 73 is inserted into the insertion port 60 f of the fourth attachment piece 60 and pivotally supported by the fifth connection shaft 65 as will be described later.

  The fifth connection shaft 65 has the same shape and function as the first connection shaft 65. That is, the fifth connecting shaft 65 (see FIG. 4) has a shaft portion 65a, a head portion 65b, and a tip portion 65c, and the shaft portion 65a is a second attachment piece 58 on the right part group 5R side (see FIG. 5). ) Through the guide hole 58g of the fourth connecting piece 69, through the guide hole 58h of the second mounting piece 58 again, and through the hole 75b of the second brake plate 75 (see FIG. 18). , And further inserted into the long hole 52e of the second spacer plate 52 (see FIG. 6), and then from the guide long hole 60g of the fourth mounting piece 60 on the left part group 5L side, Passing through the hole 73d, passing through the guide long hole 60h of the fourth mounting piece 60, and finally attaching the washer 83 to the tip caulking portion 65c of the fifth connecting shaft 65, and then caulking the tip. I, so that the fifth connecting shaft 65 each member mounted on is held so as not fall out and so as to be rotatable around the axis of the fifth connecting shaft 65.

  The diameter s of the round holes 66d to 69d of the first to fourth connection pieces 66 to 69 is the same as the diameter r of the shaft portions 61a to 65a of the first to fifth connection shafts 61 to 65, Moreover, the hole width t of the said guide long holes 66e-69e of the 1st-4th connection pieces 66-69 is also the same as the diameter r of the shaft parts 61a-65a of the said 1st-5th connection shafts 61-65. . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, when the diameter r of the shaft portion 61a of the first connection shaft 61 (the same applies to the other second to fifth connection shafts) is 0.8 mm, the first connection piece 66 (other The same applies to the second to fourth connecting pieces). The diameter s of the round hole 66d is set to 0.8 mm, and the hole width t of the guide long hole 66e is set to 0.8 mm. The guide long holes 66e to 69e are all curved, but are not limited to the curved ones. Further, the guide long holes 57g and 57h (not shown for the mounting piece 58) provided in each mounting piece 57 have a straight shape, and the guides provided in the first to fourth connecting pieces 66 to 69. The long holes 66e, 67e, 68e, and 69e have an arc shape, but are not limited thereto. A straight shape may be arcuate, and a straight shape is also conceivable. This can also be said for the left part group 5L.

  On the other hand, the diameter u of the round holes 74b to 77b of the first to fourth brake plates 74 to 77 is the same as the diameter r of the shaft portions 61a to 65a of the first to fifth connection shafts 61 to 65. The hole widths v of the friction guide elongated holes 74c to 77c of the first to fourth brake plates 74 to 77 are set slightly smaller than the diameter r of the first to fifth connection shafts 61 to 65. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, when the diameter r of the shaft portion 61a of the first connection shaft 61 (the same applies to the other second to fifth connection shafts) is 0.8 mm, the first brake plate 74 (the other first The same applies to the second to fourth brake plates). The diameter u of the round hole 74b is set to 0.8 mm, and the hole width v of the friction guide long hole 74c is set to 0.75 mm. The curvature radius of the center line along the arc of the guide elongated holes 66e to 69e of the first to fourth connecting pieces 66 to 69 and the friction guide elongated hole 74c of the first to fourth brake plates 74 to 77 are described. The radius of curvature of the center line along the arc of ~ 77c is set to be the same.

  Further, the hole width p of the guide long holes 57g and 57h of the first mounting piece 57 (the same applies to the other second to fourth mounting pieces) is the diameter r of the shaft portion 61a of the first connecting shaft 61 and the like. Is the same. On the other hand, the hole width q of the first spacer plate 51 (the same applies to the second spacer plate 52) is set to be slightly smaller than the diameter r of the shaft portion 61a such as the first connection shaft 61. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, when the diameter r of the shaft portion 61a such as the first connecting shaft 61 is 0.8 mm, the hole width q of the guide long holes 57g and 57h of the first spacer plate 51 is set to 0.75 mm. Is set.

[Operation and effect of the multi-axis hinge device according to the present invention]
Next, the operation and effect of the multi-axis hinge device 5 according to the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described. The operation of the multi-axis hinge device 50 according to another embodiment is the same as that of the multi-axis hinge device 5 described above. As shown in FIG. 1, when the first casing 2 and the second casing 3 of the display device 1 are in the unfolded state, the multi-axis hinge device 5 is also connected to the first casing 2 and the first casing 2 as shown in FIG. 2 Open in a flat state that is flush with the housing 3. In this state, the first to fifth connections inserted into the round holes 66d to 69d of the first to fourth connection pieces 66 to 69 and the round holes 74b to 77b of the first to fourth brake plates 74 to 77, respectively. The shafts 61 to 65 are also arranged in a state aligned in a horizontal row. As shown in FIG. 3, the first to fourth brake plates 74 to 77 are connected to each other by first to fifth connection shafts 61 to 65 that are common to the first to fourth connection pieces 66 to 69. Although assembled in the same plane as the pieces 66 to 69, in FIGS. 22 to 24, for convenience of explanation, they are drawn separately on the upper side or the lateral side of the first to fourth connecting pieces 66 to 69. In this state, if the length (also referred to as “peripheral length”) of the section where the multiaxial hinge device 5 faces the flexible display panel 4 (the section from K1 to K2) is L, the multiaxial hinge apparatus 5 of the present invention. As will be described below, the multiaxial hinge device 5 from the unfolded state (FIGS. 1 and 22) to the folded state (FIGS. 2 and 24) while keeping the length (circumferential length) L constant. It can be bent and opened and closed in a range. That is, the length in the width direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the multi-axis hinge device 5 can be expanded and contracted when the multi-axis hinge device 5 is opened and closed. Therefore, the flexible display panel attached to the outer peripheral surface of the multi-axis hinge device 5 or the like. 4 can be opened and closed while following the length to keep the same length. Therefore, an excessive force is not applied to the flexible display panel 4 during the opening / closing operation, and the deterioration and damage of the flexible display panel 4 can be effectively prevented.

  1 and FIG. 22, the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 can be closed downward with the flexible display panel 4 outside, but the upward direction is shown. It cannot be closed (bent outwards, so-called “reverse warping”). That is, as shown in FIG. 22, in this state, the first connecting shaft 61 is located at the moving end of the long hole 57h of the first mounting piece 57 (and the moving end of the long hole 51e of the first spacer plate 51). The second connecting shaft 62 is located at the moving end of the guide long hole 66e of the first connecting piece 66 (and the moving end of the friction guide long hole 77c of the fourth brake plate 77), and the third connecting shaft 663 is the second connecting piece 67. The fourth connecting shaft is located at the movement end of the guide long hole 67e (and the movement end of the friction guide long hole 76c of the third brake plate 76 and the movement end of the friction guide long hole 74c of the first brake plate 74). Reference numeral 64 denotes a moving end of the guide long hole 68e of the third connecting piece 68 and a moving end of the guide long hole 69e of the fourth connecting piece 69 (and the second brake plate 7). The fifth connecting shaft 65 is located at the movement end of the long hole 58g of the second mounting piece 58 (and the movement end of the long hole 52e of the second spacer plate 52). This is because further movement of each connecting shaft is prevented by the movement terminal portion of each guide long hole serving as a stopper. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the multi-axis hinge device 5 of the present invention from being bent outward, and to prevent the flexible display panel 4 from being deteriorated or damaged by applying an excessive force.

  Next, with the flexible display panel 4 facing outward, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 22, the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are pushed and bent downward in the drawing, as shown in FIG. For example, the first housing 2 and the second housing are folded up to 90 °. At this time, as can be seen by comparing FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, the first connecting shaft 61 is located slightly away from the moving end of the long hole 57 h of the first mounting piece 57 (and the long hole 51 e of the first spacer plate 51. The second connecting shaft 62 is moved to an intermediate position of the guide long hole 66e of the first connecting piece 66 (and an intermediate position of the friction guide long hole 77c of the fourth brake plate 77). The third connection shaft 63 moves to an intermediate position of the guide long hole 67e of the second connection piece 67 (and an intermediate position of the friction guide long hole 76c of the third brake plate 76), and the fourth connection shaft 64 moves to the fourth connection shaft 64. The intermediate position of the guide long hole 68e of the third connection piece 68 and the intermediate position of the guide long hole 69e of the fourth connection piece 69 (and the friction gas of the second brake plate 75). And the fifth connecting shaft 65 moves slightly away from the moving end of the long hole 58g of the second mounting piece 58 (and from the moving end of the long hole 52e of the second spacer plate 52). Move to a slightly distant place. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are within the range in which the peripheral length L of the flexible display panel 4 attached so as to be stretched outside the multi-axis hinge device 5 does not extend. Various positions and distances are determined according to the direction and magnitude of the force applied to. That is, in the multi-axis hinge device 5 according to the present invention, the length (peripheral length) of the outer peripheral surface on the side where the first to fourth connecting pieces 66 to 69 and the like face the flexible display panel 4 is the same as that of the flexible display panel 4. Following the length L of the section, the length of the flexible display panel 4 is kept the same.

  Furthermore, in the above case, the hole width t of the guide long holes 66e to 69e of the first to fourth connecting pieces 66 to 69 and the guide long holes 57g to 60g and 57h to 60h of the first to fourth mounting pieces 57 to 60h. Since the hole width p is the same as the diameter r of the shaft portion of the first to fifth connection shafts 61 to 65 as described above, the first to fifth connection shafts 61 to 65 have no particular resistance and are guide long holes. Or the longitudinal width of the friction guide elongated holes 74c to 77c of the first to fourth brake plates 74 to 77 and the elongated holes 51e and 52e of the first and second spacer plates 51 and 52. Since the hole width q is set slightly smaller than the diameter r of the shaft portion of the first to fifth connection shafts 61 to 65 as described above, the shaft portions of the first to fifth connection shafts 61 to 65 are these. 1st to 4th systems When moving in the friction guide long holes 74c to 77c of the plates 74 to 77 and the friction guide long holes 51e and 52e of the first and second spacer plates 51 and 52, a considerable frictional resistance is generated. A predetermined friction function with respect to the opening / closing operation of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 and a free stop function (tilt function) at a desired opening angle position are obtained, and convenience in use is ensured. . In FIG. 6, the reference symbols 51f and 51f indicate that the guide elongated hole 51e has elasticity, and friction torque is generated in the connecting shaft 61 inserted therein. In addition, the multi-axis hinge device 1 according to the present invention has a friction function including the first to fifth connecting shafts 61 to 65, the first to fourth braking plates 74 to 77, the first to second spacer plates 51, The guide elongated holes 74c to 77c, 51e, 52e provided in the guide 52 are formed so as to be created between the guide elongated holes 74c to 77c, 51e, 52e. You may comprise so that it may be created between 57g, 57h-60g, 60h, 66c-73c, and each connection shaft 61-65. A stopper function may also be provided between the connecting shafts 61 to 65 and the guide long holes 57g, 57h to 60g, 60h and 66c to 73c. Further, the friction function is achieved by crimping the end portions of the connecting shafts 61 to 65, either on the both sides of the brake plates 74 to 77 or the spacer plates 51 to 52, or the friction torque generating means F described below. And can be configured to work together.

  Further, by pushing and bending the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 inward from the state shown in FIG. 23, the first housing 2 and the second housing are parallel to each other as shown in FIG. Fold until it is in a state. Accordingly, as can be seen by comparing FIG. 17 and FIG. 24, the first connecting shaft 61 has an intermediate position of the guide long hole 57 h of the first mounting piece 57 (and an intermediate position of the long hole 51 e of the first spacer plate 51). The second connecting shaft 62 moves to the other moving end of the guide long hole 66e of the first connecting piece 66 (and the other moving end of the friction guide long hole 77c of the fourth brake plate 77), The third connecting shaft 63 moves to the other moving end of the guide long hole 67e of the second connecting piece 67 (and the other moving end of the friction guide long hole 76c of the third brake plate 76), and the fourth connecting shaft. 64 is the other moving end of the guide long hole 68e of the third connecting piece 68, and the other moving end of the guide long hole 69e of the fourth connecting piece 69 (and 2 and the fifth connecting shaft 65 moves to the middle position of the long hole 58g of the second mounting piece 58 (and the long hole 52e of the second spacer plate 52). To the middle position). Even in this moving process, in the multi-axis hinge device 5 according to the present invention, the length (peripheral length) of the outer peripheral surface on the side where the first to fourth connection pieces 66 to 69 and the like face the flexible display panel 4 is flexible. It follows the length L of the section of the display panel 4 and is kept the same as the length of the flexible display panel 4.

  Also in this case, the shaft portions of the first to fifth connecting shafts 61 to 65 are in the friction guide long holes 74c to 77c of the first to fourth brake plates 74 to 77 and the first and second spacer plates 51, A considerable frictional resistance is generated when moving in the friction guide long holes 51e, 52e of the 52, and thereby, a predetermined friction function with respect to the opening / closing operation of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 and a desired opening angle. A free stop function at the position can be obtained. Accordingly, the first to fifth connecting shafts 61 to 65, the first to fourth brake plates 74 to 77, the friction guide elongated holes 74c to 77c, and the first and second spacer plates 51 and 52, the friction guide elongated holes 51e and 52e. This constitutes an embodiment of the friction torque generating means F.

  When the multi-axis hinge device 5 according to the present invention is used, the protrusions formed on the side surfaces of the one connection piece adjacent to each other are connected in a state of fitting into the recesses formed on the side surface of the other connection piece. Therefore, the entire multi-axis hinge device can be configured compactly, and can be suitably used for a thin housing such as a tablet. Also, the arc-shaped hozo provided on one connecting piece adjacent to each other and the other connecting piece Since the connecting pieces move together in a circular arc shape when they are fitted with the arcuate groove provided on the, it is possible to perform a smooth and stable opening and closing operation, and also extend to the outer end of the connecting piece As described above, it is possible to easily cope with various sizes of housings without changing the main part of the hinge by simply attaching the stem, as described above.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the number of the connecting shaft, the connecting piece, and the brake plate may be appropriately increased or decreased as necessary, and the shape of the guide long hole, the friction guide long hole, The size can be changed, or the means for attaching the display device to the first and second housings can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, the present invention can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art from the above description. All modified embodiments are included.

  As described above in detail, the multi-axis hinge device according to the present invention can follow the change in the circumference of the flexible display panel that is bent and deployed, so that an excessive force is not applied to the flexible display panel, and the deterioration or damage is caused. It is possible to provide a multi-axis hinge device that does not cause the problem and a display device using the multi-axis hinge device. Further, by providing a braking plate, the operability can be improved by causing a predetermined friction function and a free stop function to be generated in the opening / closing operation of the multi-axis hinge device. Furthermore, by providing a stopper function between the friction guide long hole provided in the brake plate and the guide long hole provided in the mounting plate and the connection plate and the connection shaft inserted therein, the multi-axis hinge device is provided. By preventing bending in the reverse direction, damage to the flexible display panel can be prevented.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display apparatus 2 1st housing | casing 3 2nd housing | casing 4 Flexible display panel 5 Multi-axis hinge apparatus 5A-5F Hinge unit 5L Left side part group 5R Right side part group 57,58 1st, 2nd attachment piece 57g, 57h Guide length Holes 59, 60 Third and fourth attachment pieces 61-65 First to fifth connection shafts 66 First connection piece 66b First connection convex portion 66c Second connection convex portion 66d Round hole 66e Guide long hole 66f Recess 66g Inside End surface 66h Arc-shaped boss 67 Second connecting piece 67b First connecting convex portion 67c Second connecting convex portion 67d Round hole 67e Guide long hole 67f First recess 67g Second recess 67h, 67i Inner end surface 67j Arc-shaped boss 67k Circle Arc-shaped groove 68 Third connection piece 68b First connection protrusion 68c Second connection protrusion 68d Round hole 68e Guide slot 68f First recess 6 g Second recess 68h, 68i Inner end face 68j Arc-shaped groove 68k Arc-shaped groove 69 Fourth connection piece 69b First connection protrusion 69c Second connection protrusion 69d Round hole 69e Guide long hole 69f Inner end 69g Inner end face 69h Arc-shaped groove 70-73 5th-8th connection piece 74-77 1st-4th brake plate 74a Main part 74b Round hole 84, 85 Mounting plate

Claims (8)

  An unfolded state in which the flexible display panel is flattened between the first housing and the second housing, disposed on the back side of the flexible display panel spanned on the surface side of the first housing and the second housing. A multi-axis hinge device that creates a bent state that is in a folded state, wherein the multi-axis hinge device is composed of one or a plurality of hinge units, and the hinge units are connected to the first housing side and the second housing side. A pair of mounting pieces that are respectively attached to the mounting piece, and a plurality of connecting pieces provided between the mounting pieces, and a guide elongated hole through which the connecting shafts are inserted into the connecting pieces and the connecting pieces. As a result, the connecting shaft moves along the guide long hole in accordance with the opening / closing operation between the expanded state and the folded state of the flexible display panel. To, characterized in that the circumferential length of the hinge unit is form so as to be follow the circumferential direction of the length change of the flexible display panel, the multi-axis hinge device.   The hinge unit includes a pair of attachment pieces attached to the first housing side and the second housing side, and a plurality of connecting pieces provided between the attachment pieces, and each of the attachment pieces and each of the attachment pieces. A part group with guide long holes in the connection piece is the minimum unit, and a pair of these minimum units arranged in parallel in the axial direction is rotatably connected by a plurality of connection shafts through the guide long holes. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 1, wherein the multi-axis hinge device is configured by the above.   The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 2, wherein the hinge unit according to claim 2 is further connected in the axial direction by a mounting plate.   The multi-axis hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein a braking plate is provided between at least the connecting pieces of the hinge unit.   The opening angle of the first casing and the second casing is limited by setting the length of the guide slot to a predetermined value and restricting the moving distance between the mounting piece and the connecting piece. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 1, wherein the multi-axis hinge device is made.   Each of the connection pieces has a first connection protrusion formed with a round hole through which the connection shaft is inserted, and a second connection protrusion formed with the guide long hole, on both side surfaces along the axial direction. A first recess for receiving the first or second connecting protrusion of one adjacent connecting piece to be connected to both sides of the connecting piece, and the first or second adjacent second connecting piece. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 1, wherein a second recess for receiving the coupling protrusion is formed.   Connecting the first or second connection protrusion of the connection piece and the first or second connection protrusion of another connection piece to be connected to both sides of the connection piece by the connection shaft; The inner end face of the first or second connecting protrusion of the connecting piece and the inner end face of the first or second connecting protrusion of the other connecting piece are connected in a state of facing each other, and the second An arc-shaped ridge or arc-shaped ridge groove along the periphery of the guide slot is formed on the inner end surface of the connecting projection, and the arc-shaped ridge or arc-shaped groove on the inner end surface of the first connecting projection The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 6, wherein an arcuate groove or an arcuate groove to be fitted is formed. A multi-axis hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is used,
Display device.

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