KR101682491B1 - Case - Google Patents

Abstract

A case device of the present invention includes: a first case in which one end of a flexible display is supported; And a sliding unit installed in the first case and sliding along a first direction parallel to a first specific surface of the first case, wherein one end of the flexible display is installed in the sliding unit.

Description

CASE DEVICE {CASE}

The present invention relates to a case apparatus for supporting a flexible display.

Multimedia devices, including notebooks and mobile phones, consist of many folders. A general notebook computer has a first main body portion in which a main board and a keyboard are mounted, and a folder type in which a second main body portion in which a display screen is mounted can be opened and closed. The hinge device is provided at the center of rotation between the first main body and the second main body.

Meanwhile, unlike the conventional display, the hinge device or the case is problematic when the flexible display, which is recently illuminated, is installed in an area covering both the first body portion and the second body portion.

There is a problem in that at the boundary between the first body portion and the second body portion provided with the hinge device, the flexible display can be excessively folded beyond the deflection limit that the flexible display can withstand. In addition, in a general case, there is a problem that it is difficult to cope with deformation of the flexible display caused when the hinge device rotates.

Korean Patent No. 10-1421220 discloses a case for mounting a portable electronic device having a flexible display.

Korean Patent No. 10-1421220

The present invention is intended to provide a case device in which the deformation of a flexible display caused by the rotation of the first case and the second case is corrected.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, It will be possible.

A case device of the present invention includes: a first case in which one end of a flexible display is supported; And a sliding unit installed in the first case and sliding along a first direction parallel to a first specific surface of the first case, wherein one end of the flexible display is installed in the sliding unit.

A case device of the present invention includes: a first case in which one end of a flexible display is supported; A second case supporting the other end of the flexible display; A hinge unit for rotatably connecting the first case and the second case to each other; And a sliding unit installed in the first case, wherein the sliding unit is provided with one end of the flexible display, and the sliding unit is arranged between the first case and the second case, May be slid along a first direction parallel to the first specific surface of the first case so as to be in close contact with the first specific surface of the first case and the second specific surface of the second case.

The case device of the present invention may have a sliding unit in which one end of the flexible display is slid.

According to this, even if the flexible display is deformed by an external force, the flexible display can be brought into close contact with the case provided with the sliding unit.

Particularly, when the flexible display is provided over the first case and the second case which are relatively rotated by the hinge, the flexible display can be warped due to the respective case or the hinge during the relative rotation. According to the present invention, in a situation in which the flexible display is worn, one end of the flexible display can be slid by the sliding unit.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the flexible display is brought into close contact with the first case and the second case regardless of the relative rotation between the first case and the second case, and the flat display can be maintained.

1 is a schematic view showing a case device of the present invention.
2 is another schematic view showing a case device of the present invention.
3 is a schematic view showing a comparative example of a case device of the present invention.
4 is a schematic view showing a case device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a schematic view showing a pressing portion of a case device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a schematic view showing a state in which a first case and a second case are folded in a case device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a schematic view showing a case device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a schematic view showing a state in which the first case and the second case are folded in the case device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a schematic view showing a hinge unit constituting a case device of the present invention.
10 is a schematic view showing a state in which another hinge unit constituting the case device of the present invention is unfolded.
11 is a schematic view showing a state in which the hinge unit is folded.
12 is a schematic view showing a state in which another hinge unit is unfolded.
13 is a schematic view showing another folded state of the hinge unit of the present invention.
Figs. 14 and 15 are schematic views showing the operation of the hinge unit. Fig.
16 is a sectional view showing a cover portion and a hinge portion constituting the hinge unit.
17 is a schematic view showing an elongated hole formed in the hinge portion.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The sizes and shapes of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience. In addition, terms defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of the present invention may be changed according to the intention or custom of the user, the operator. Definitions of these terms should be based on the content of this specification.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing a case device of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is another schematic view showing a case device of the present invention.

The case device shown in the figure may include a first case 10 and a sliding unit 200. [

When the flexible display 30 extends in one direction, the first case 10 can support one end of the flexible display 30. At this time, the other end of the flexible display 30 may be disposed at a position out of the first case 10.

When one end of the flexible display 30 is fixed to the first case 10, the flexible display 30 may be warped by an external force or a tensile force exceeding the allowable range may be applied to the flexible display 30. [ Accordingly, the image displayed on the flexible display 30 may be wrinkled or the touch performance may be degraded if the touch screen is integrally formed on the flexible display 30. Or the flexible display 30 may be damaged by the flexural deformation exceeding the allowable range generated in the process of wrinkling. Or the flexible display 30 may be damaged by an excessive tensile force.

To solve this problem, one end of the flexible display 30 supported by the first case 10 is preferably flown. However, if the flow at this time is made along an arbitrary direction, it is difficult for the flexible display 30 to be kept flat.

The sliding unit 200 may be used to prevent damage to the flexible display 30 and to keep the flexible display 30 flat.

The sliding unit 200 is installed in the first case 10 and can slide along a first direction parallel to the first specific surface of the first case 10. [

The first specific surface may be a surface facing the flexible display 30 in the first case 10 and the first specific surface may be a surface on which one end of the flexible display 30 is provided. The second specific surface may be a surface facing the flexible display 30 in the second case 20 and a surface on which the other end of the flexible display 30 is installed.

When flattened, the flexible display 30 can extend along the first direction. The first specific surface may also extend along the first direction to support one end of the flexible display 30 in a flat manner. At this time, in order to support the flexible display 30 in the width direction of the flexible display 30, the first specific surface may extend along the y-axis as well as the x-axis.

In short, the x-axis corresponding to the first direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the flat display device 30, and the y-axis can coincide with the width direction of the flexible display 30. The sliding unit 200 can be slid along the longitudinal direction of the flexible display 30.

In addition, one end of the flexible display 30 may be installed in the sliding unit 200. According to this, since the flexible display 30 is slid along the first direction together with the sliding unit 200, damage due to external force can be prevented.

Meanwhile, the sliding unit 200 may be provided with a pressing portion 290 which keeps the flexible display 30 flat and closely contacts the first specific surface.

The pressing portion 290 can push or pull one end of the flexible display 30 in a direction away from the other end of the flexible display 30 among the positive direction of the first direction and the negative direction of the first direction. By the pressing of the pressing portion 290, the flexible display 30 can be stretched from the one end to the other end and can maintain a flat state. Further, the flexible display 30 in a flat state can be easily brought into close contact with the first specific surface in comparison with the flexible display 30 in a wrinkled state.

If the entirety of the flexible display 30 is installed in one case, the advantage of the flexible display 30 can be discolored. For example, in the case of providing a display screen of m area, a display of m area may be installed in a case of m area or more. The terminal device at this time always has a size of m or more, regardless of whether the display is flexible or not.

However, if one end of the flexible display 30 having an area m is installed in the first case 10 and the other end is installed in another member, if the first case 10 and the other member are extended, . A terminal device having a size corresponding to one-half of the m area can be provided when another member is enclosed in the first case 10.

In order to highlight the advantages of such a flexible display 30, the case device of the present invention may be provided with various members for supporting the other end of the flexible display 30 and means for connecting the member to the first case 10 have.

For example, the case device of the present invention may include a second case 20 and a hinge unit 100 in addition to the first case 10 and the sliding unit 200.

The other end of the flexible display 30 may be supported in the second case 20. [ At this time, the other end of the flexible display 30 may be fixed to the second case 20.

In some cases, the second case 20 may be replaced with the first case 10 described above. In this case, two first cases 10 are provided, one of which supports one end of the flexible display 30 and the other of which supports the other end of the flexible display 30. At this time, one end of the flexible display 30 and the other end of the flexible display 30 may be installed in the sliding unit 200 disposed at positions spaced apart from each other.

For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the other end of the flexible display 30 is fixed to the second case 20.

The hinge unit 100 may rotatably connect the first case 10 and the second case 20 to each other. The sliding unit 200 is configured such that the flexible display 30 can be rotated about the first specific surface of the first case 10 and the second specific surface 20 of the second case 20 regardless of the relative rotation between the first case 10 and the second case 20. [ In the first direction parallel to the first specific surface of the first case 10 so as to be in close contact with the second specific surface of the first case 10.

1, a flexible display 30 (see FIG. 1) disposed between a specific position i1 of the first case 10 and a specific position i2 of the second case 20 when the first case 10 and the second case 20 are folded, ) Is the sum of L1, L2, L3, and L4.

Here, L 1 is the length from i 1 to the edge of the first case 10, and L 2 is the thickness of the first case 10. L3 is the thickness of the second case 20, and L4 may be the length from i2 to the edge of the second case 20.

2, when the first case 10 and the second case 20 are unfolded, the length of the flexible display 30 disposed between i1 and i2 is the sum of L1 and L4.

In the case of the comparative example in which one end of the flexible display 30 is fixed at the first position x1 in the first case 10 in Fig. 1, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are arranged as shown in Fig. 2 When expanded, the length corresponding to the sum of L2 and L3 may be a problem.

3 is a schematic view showing a comparative example of a case device of the present invention.

When one end of the flexible display 30 is fixed at the first position x1, the length corresponding to the sum of L2 and L3 collides with the air as shown in d in Fig. This phenomenon may mean that the flexible display 30 is wrinkled soon. When such wrinkles are generated, it is difficult to confirm the image data displayed on the area where the wrinkles are generated. In addition, when the flexible display 30 also serves as a touch screen, it is difficult to process the touches in the area of d. In addition, the flexible display 30 may be damaged if the flexural deformation generated in the area ⓓ exceeds the allowable range.

In order to solve the wrinkles as in the portion D, one end of the flexible display 30 may be fixed at a second position x2 spaced from the first position x1 by a distance corresponding to the sum of L2 and L3. However, according to this, the first case 10 and the second case 20 can not be rotated in a folded state as shown in Fig. That is, rotation of the first case 10 and the second case 20 can be restricted.

Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the wrinkles of the flexible display 30 and ensure the rotation of the first case 10 and the second case 20.

According to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, since the sliding unit 200 having one end of the flexible display 30 is moved along the first direction, it is possible to prevent wrinkles such as d.

One end of the flexible display 30 is moved in the first direction x1 and the second position x2 in the first direction by the relative rotation of the first case 10 and the second case 20 by the sliding unit 200. [ Respectively.

At this time, the first position x1 may be a position close to the hinge unit 100 as compared with the second position x2. The distance between the first position x1 and the second position x2 may be equal to the sum of L2 and L3.

1, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are folded as shown in FIG. 1. When the sliding unit 200 is unfolded as shown in FIG. 2, one end of the flexible display 30 is moved from the first position x1 2 position x2. Accordingly, the flexible display 30 can maintain a flat state without wrinkles such as d.

1, the one end portion of the flexible display 30 is moved from the second position x2 to the second position x2 by the sliding unit 200. The first and second cases 10, 1 position x1. Therefore, the rotation of the first case 10 and the second case 20 is restricted by the flexible display 30.

Guide units 211 and 212 and sliding units 231 and 233 may be provided on the sliding unit 200 such that the flexible display 30 is slid along the first direction with respect to the first specific surface.

The guide portions 211 and 212 are elements provided in the first case 10 and can guide sliding of the sliding portion.

The sliding parts 231 and 233 are elements provided at one end of the flexible display 30 and can be slid along the first direction by the guide part.

When the first case 10 and the second case 20 in the folded state are deployed, the sliding portion disposed at the first position x1 can be manually moved to the second position x2. If the sliding portion moved to the second position x2 is moved toward the first position x1 by the external impact, the flatness of the flexible display 30 may be lowered.

In order to improve the user's convenience and the flatness of the flexible display 30, a pressing unit 290 may be added to the sliding unit 200.

The pressing portion 290 can press the sliding portion in the direction from the first position x1 to the second position x2. According to the pressing portion 290, when the first case 10 and the second case 20 of Fig. 1 are unfolded as shown in Fig. 2, the sliding portion of the first position x1 can be automatically slid to the second position x2. In addition, since the flexible display 30 is pulled in a flattening direction, the flatness can be improved regardless of the rotation angle.

Meanwhile, the guide portion, the sliding portion, and the pressing portion 290 may be formed in various ways.

4 is a schematic view showing a case device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the sliding unit 200 of FIG. 4, a first guide 211 corresponding to a guide part and a moving plate 231 corresponding to a sliding part may be provided.

The first guide 211 may be provided on the first specific surface of the first case 10 and extend along the first direction. The first guide 211 may be a rail extending in a so-called first direction.

One end of the flexible display 30 can be closely fitted and slid along the first guide 211.

The shape of the first guide 211 and the moving plate 231 may be variously formed. For example, if the end face of the first guide 211 is a groove having one side opened like 'U', the end of the moving plate 231 may be loosely fitted in the U-groove.

Even if the first guide 211 is fixed to the flexible display 30 and the moving plate 231 is fixed to the first case 10, There is no difficulty sliding along.

However, it is advantageous that the flexible display 30 is provided on the plate-like moving plate 231 in terms of the supporting efficiency and flatness of the flexible display 30. [

The pushing portion 290 can push or pull the moving plate 231 along the first direction to pull one end of the flexible display 30 in one direction.

5 is a schematic view showing a pressing portion 290 of a case device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The pressing portion 290 can be interposed between the moving plate 231 and the first guide 211 or between the moving plate 231 and the first specific surface. When the size of the pressing portion 290 thus arranged is increased, the thickness of the first case 10 can be increased. In order to prevent this, the pressing portion 290 may include a torsion spring 291 having one end extending in one direction and the other end extending in the other direction, and the middle portion of which is rounded and curled.

One end of the torsion spring 291 may be provided on the moving plate 231 and the other end of the torsion spring 291 may be provided on the first guide 211 or the first specific surface. To this end, a first fixing protrusion 239 in the form of a projection fixed to one end of the torsion spring 291 may be provided on a surface of the moving plate 231 facing the first guide 211 or the first specific surface. The first guide 211 or the first specific surface may be provided with a second fixing protrusion 219 in the form of a projection fixed to the other end of the torsion spring 291.

6 is a schematic view showing a state in which the first case 10 and the second case 20 are folded in the case apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to the first guide 211 and the moving plate 231 described above, when the first case 10 and the second case 20 are folded together, one end of the flexible display 30 is moved in the first and second cases 10, The case 20 can be moved toward the hinge unit 100 connecting the case 20. One end of the flexible display 30 is pressed in a direction away from the hinge unit 100 by the torsion spring 291, and the flexible display 30 can be kept flat through the pressing at this time.

6, when one end of the flexible display 30 moves from the second position x2 to the first position x1, the section from x1 to x2 in the first case 10 is simply the area of the first case 10 Which is a dummy period.

Another embodiment may be considered as a method for removing the dummy section at this time.

7 is a schematic view showing a case device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In the sliding unit 200 of FIG. 7, a second guide 212 corresponding to a guide part and an edge module 233 corresponding to a sliding part may be provided.

The second guide 212 may be installed on one side of the first case 10. And may have a shape of a groove or a projection extending along the first direction.

The edge module 233 may be disposed to face one side of the first case 10. One end of the flexible display 30 may be fixed to the edge module 233. In addition, the edge module 233 can be slid along the first direction by the second guide 212. [

Since the moving plate 231 described above is an element provided in the first guide 211 provided on the first specific surface, the reverse surface of the moving plate 231, that is, the surface opposite to the surface facing the flexible display 30, It may be hidden by the first specific surface and may not be seen from the outside. Therefore, the moving plate 231 may have the same characteristics as the accessories housed in the first case 10.

On the other hand, since the rear surface of the edge module 233 disposed on the side surface of the first case 10 is exposed to the outside as the back surface of the first case 10, Lt; / RTI >

When the second guide 212 provided on the side surface of the first case 10 protrudes along the first direction, the surface facing the second guide 212 of the edge module 233 is provided with a groove Can be provided. If the second guide 212 is a groove extending along the first direction, a protrusion may be provided on a surface facing the second guide 212 of the edge module 233.

In FIG. 7, the second guide 212 is formed in a groove shape, and the edge module 233 is formed in a protrusion shape that fits in the groove.

A pressing portion 290 may be provided between the edge module 233 and the first case 10 to push the edge module 233 away from the first case 10. At this time, the pressing portion 290 may include a coiled compression spring 293 in the form of a coil.

The second guide 212, the edge module 233 and the pressing portion 290 may be formed only in the first case 10, but they may be provided in the second case 20.

8 is a schematic view showing a state in which the first case 10 and the second case 20 are folded in the case device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

For example, in a state where the first case 10 is fixed, the second case 20 may be rotated in the clockwise direction around the hinge unit 100 to be disposed on the first case 10.

At this time, the edge module 233 can be moved together with the flexible display 30 in a direction approaching the hinge unit 100. Since the edge module 233 forming the side surface of the first case 10 itself is slid along the first direction, the dummy section as shown in FIG. 6 may not be formed.

It is preferable that the flexible display 30 is brought into close contact with the first case 10 as much as possible in order to improve ease of use and flatness of the display of the flexible display.

By the way, compared to the case where the flexible display 30 is provided on the plate-like moving plate 231, only a considerably small area can be supported on the sliding portion. In other words, the central portion of the flexible display 30 may be exposed to air.

The first specific surface of the flexible display 30 is in contact with the first case 10 such that the second display 212 is curved in a first direction, As shown in FIG. According to this, the flexible display 30 floating in the air can be brought into close contact with the center portion of the convex first specific surface.

The formation of the first specific surface in this way can be applied to other embodiments as shown in Figs.

On the other hand, the distance that one end of the flexible display 30 is slid along the first direction by the sliding unit 200 is preferably as small as possible. This is because, in order to slide one end of the flexible display 30, a portion where the flexible display 30 is not fixed is generated in at least one of the first case 10, the second case 20, and the hinge unit 100 to be.

For example, in order to ensure sliding, at least a portion of the first case 10 adjacent to the hinge unit 100 is not fixed to the flexible display 30 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. Therefore, a phenomenon in which the flexible display 30 is lifted at the corresponding portion may occur.

The hinge unit 100 constituting the case device of the present invention may have a special structure in order to minimize the distance by which one end of the flexible display 30 is slid.

9 is a schematic view showing a hinge unit 100 constituting a case device of the present invention.

The hinge unit 100 shown in Fig. 9 may be a supporting means that serves as a rotation center of the first case 10 and the second case 20. [

The hinge unit 100 can rotatably connect the first case 10 and the second case 20 to each other. In this specification, the first case 10 is fixed and the second case 20 rotates with respect to the first case 10 for convenience of explanation.

Some functions of connecting the first case 10 and the second case 20 in the hinge unit 100 may be similar to existing hinges. However, the hinge unit 100 constituting the case device of the present invention may include a different structure from the existing hinge.

For example, one surface of the hinge unit 100 may be continuous to at least one of the first specific surface of the first case 10 and the second specific surface of the second case 20. At this time, one surface of the hinge unit 100 continuous to the first specific surface or the second specific surface may be defined as the first surface 101.

Also, continuing to the first specific surface means that the first surface of the hinge unit 100 is directly connected without a step or height difference at a first position P1 where the first specific surface of the first case 10 terminates have. Likewise, continuing to the second specific surface may mean that the first surface of the hinge unit 100 is directly connected without a step at a second position P2 where the second specific surface of the second case 20 terminates.

9, when the first case 10 and the second case 20 are kept in a superposed state, the first side faces the end of the first specific surface and the second specific surface Can be formed as the starting end and the ending end, respectively. 10, when the first case 10 and the second case 20 maintain the state of 180 degrees, the first surface is positioned on the extension line of the first specific surface or the second specific surface on the side surface .

The flexible display 30 can be manufactured to be bent in the case of an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display, for example. However, due to technical limitations, the warping curvature can be limited to a certain range. If such an OLED display is installed in the first case 10 and the second case 20 through the hinge, the OLED display can be severely bent at the stepped portion between the member and the hinge. As a result, the OLED display may be damaged. Even if it is not damaged, it is undesirable because a user who views the OLED display sees a suddenly curved screen. In addition, when the touch means is added to the OLED display, it is inevitably difficult to touch the portion of the OLED display that is rapidly bent.

However, according to the present invention, the object such as the flexible display 30 extending from at least one of the first specific surface and the second specific surface can be closely attached to the first surface without severe bending. Therefore, the hinge unit 100 of the present invention can prevent the problem of damage to the display, and can improve the satisfaction of the user.

The first surface may extend to the length of W2 from the end P1 of the first specific surface to the end P2 of the second specific surface.

In order to minimize the sliding distance of the sliding unit 200, it is advantageous that W2 is kept unchanged and constant. This is because, although the flexible display 30 can be warped by its nature, it is difficult to expand and contract. If the object of such a characteristic is installed on the first surface where W2 is variable according to the rotation of the first case 10 and the second case 20, the first case 10 and the second case 20, The rotation of the first case 10 and the second case 20 may be restricted, or the object may be folded or broken in a jagged manner.

The hinge unit 100 may be provided with a hinge part 110 connecting the first case 10 and the second case 20 and a cover part 130 forming the first face. At this time, the cover part 130 may be formed integrally with the hinge part 110 or may be formed separately.

The hinge part 110 may be in a state where lubricating oil or the like is applied to a specific part for a smooth hinge function. Therefore, the cover 130 may be provided separately from the hinge 110 to prevent contamination of the object that is in close contact with the first surface by the lubricant. If the countermeasure against the lubricant is sufficient, 130 may be integrally formed with the hinge portion 110.

The cover 130 includes a plurality of cover blocks 131 arranged along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first case 10 and the second case 20 in order to keep the length W2 of the first surface constant can do. Specifically, the direction in which the cover blocks 131 are arranged may be the same as the extending direction of the flexible display 30 extending from the first case 10 to the second case 20.

The cover blocks 131 may be configured to rotate relative to each other such that the length W2 of the first surface of the first case 10 or the second case 20 is kept constant when the first case 10 or the second case 20 is rotated. The flexible display 30 may be fastened or fixed to the respective cover blocks 131 beyond the level that is close to the respective cover blocks 131 if W2 is kept constant by the cover block 131. [

In FIG. 9, the cover part 130 may include five cover blocks 131 having a rectangular cross section. At this time, the face portion forming the first face in the five cover blocks 131, that is, the face facing the first face in the section or the side face, may be in close contact with the flexible display 30. At this time, when the specific side of the cover block 131 is kept in close contact with the other cover block 131 through the cover 130 or the hinge 110, the length W2 of the first side is smaller than the length W2 of the first case 10 And the second case 20 can be kept constant regardless of the relative rotation of the first case 20 and the second case 20. [ In Fig. 9, five specific sides can be continuously arranged in the extending direction of the flexible display 30 to form the first side. At this time, the length W1 of each specific side may be equal to a value obtained by dividing W2 by the number 5 of the cover blocks 131. [

On the other hand, when the first specific surface on which the flexible display 30 is arranged and the second specific surface are folded as shown in FIG. 9, it is difficult to completely close the first case 10 and the second case 20. Because it exceeds the curvature range allowed by the flexible display 30. Therefore, it is preferable that P1 and P2 are spaced apart so that the allowable curvature is satisfied. However, as shown in Fig. 9, the shape in which the first case 10 and the second case 20 are superimposed on each other to satisfy the spacing condition between P1 and P2 may hinder the appearance of a beautiful appearance. Further, in the case of a case apparatus provided with an environment accommodated in a pants pocket or the like in a superimposed state, the hinge unit 100 may be damaged by a pressure applied in a direction perpendicular to the member (z-axis direction in FIG. 9) The case 10 or the second case 20 may be broken.

Therefore, it is preferable to provide an environment in which the first case 10 and the second case 20 are superposed so as to be in close contact with each other while satisfying the spacing condition between P1 and P2.

For example, when one flexible display 30 is installed on the first specific surface of the first case 10 and on the second specific surface of the second case 20, the hinge unit 100 is arranged on the first specific surface And the opposite surface of the second specific surface may be rotated so as to face each other. According to this, the first case 10 and the second case 20 can be superposed to such a degree that the first case 10 and the second case 20 are completely in close contact with each other while satisfying the spacing conditions of P1 and P2.

However, for this purpose, the second case 20 disclosed in Fig. 9 needs to be rotated 360 degrees in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise). 9, the cover block 131 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Therefore, after the second case 20 rotates in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise) to form the 180 degrees with the first case 10, The block 131 functions as a stopper, so that further rotation is difficult.

Such a problem can be solved by deforming the end face of the cover block 131 into a specific shape.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a state in which another hinge unit 100 constituting the case device of the present invention is opened, and FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a state in which the hinge unit 100 is folded. 10 and 11, a schematic cross section of the hinge unit 100 is disclosed.

The cross-sectional shape of the cover block 131 shown in FIG. 10 may be a triangle that forms a part of one specific side first surface. According to this configuration, the phenomenon that the second case 20 rotates in the counterclockwise direction and the first case 10 and the second case 20 are overlapped with each other may not be limited by the cover block 131 . In addition, according to the triangular cross section, the first surface 10 and the second case 20 may be overlapped with each other so that the first surface does not lie in the air. This is because, if the first case 10 and the second case 20 are overlapped with each other, the remaining two sides of the cover block 131 except for a specific side can be brought into close contact with adjacent adjacent cover blocks 131 to be. At this time, since the cover blocks 131 adhered to each other are fixed in a specific shape, the flexible display 30 adhered to the cover blocks 131 can be prevented from being lighter.

Since the curvature of the first surface may change rapidly according to the specific shape at this time, it is preferable that the specific shape is as circular as possible so that the curvature of the first surface is gentle. The specific shape can be determined according to the positions of the vertexes formed by the two sides of the respective cover blocks 131 except the specific sides.

The sectional shape of each cover block 131 may be a shape in which a specific circle is cut radially as shown in FIG. 11 so that each cover block 131 is circular in a state where two sides are in close contact with each other. Even so, it is preferable that the specific side forming the first surface of each cover block 131 is a straight line instead of an arc. This is because, when the cover portion 130 rotates in the clockwise direction, a sharp bend can be formed between each specific side. Particularly, this phenomenon can be serious when the first case 10 and the second case 20 are stacked as shown in Fig. However, there is no such problem if a particular side is a straight line.

11, when the cover block 131 having a shape obtained by cutting a specific circle into a radial shape is spread as shown in Fig. 10, the cross section of each cover block 131 becomes a triangular shape. At this time, the vertexes of the respective triangles can form the center O of the specific circle when the first case 10 and the second case 20 are superimposed.

According to this configuration, the first surface can be bent by the cover block 131 at a specific rotation angle of the first case 10 and the second case 20 to naturally follow the circular arc of the specific circle.

At this time, the specific rotation angle may be a state in which the opposite surface of the first specific surface of the first case 10 and the surface of the second case 20 opposite to the second specific surface are parallel to each other. In this state, if the radius of the specific circle is equal to the sum of the thickness of the first case 10 and the thickness of the second case 20, the opposite surface of the first case 10 to the first specific surface, 20, the opposite surfaces of the second specific surface can be completely in close contact with each other.

The virtual line L can be set to specifically define a state in which the opposite surface of the first case 10 in the first case 10 and the opposite surface of the second case 20 in the second case 20 are parallel to each other. The virtual line L can connect the first position P1 and the second position P2 in a state in which the first case 10 and the second case 20 face each other in parallel. At this time, the hinge unit 100 may be disposed on one side of the imaginary line with respect to the imaginary line L. Then, the center O of the specific circle can be arranged on the virtual line L. [ Such a state is not satisfied when the first specific surface faces the second specific surface as shown in Fig. This is because the center O of a specific circle can not be defined in FIG.

On the other hand, since the vertex portion a of each cover block 131 of the triangular section is all gathered at the center O of the specific circle, the vertex portions can interfere with each other. At this time, due to the interference, the shape of the specific circle can be fixed. In order to prevent this, each cover block 131 may have a shape in which an end portion facing a center O of a specific circle is cut.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a state in which another hinge unit 100 is unfolded, and FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing another folded state of the hinge unit 100 according to the present invention.

The cross sectional shape of each cover block 131 may be an isosceles trapezoid. At this time, in the isosceles trapezoid, the base may form a part of the first surface. According to this, when the first case 10 and the second case 20 are disposed at a specific rotation angle, both side faces in the cross-sectional shape of the cover block 131 can be brought into close contact with the adjacent other cover block 131. In addition, since the vertex portion a of Fig. 10 is excluded, the phenomenon of interfering with each other at the center O of the specific circle can be effectively prevented.

If the first case 10 and the second case 20 are overlapped with each other in this state, an empty space b can be formed in the vicinity of the center O of the specific circle as shown in FIG. According to the empty space b, the interference between the cover blocks 131 can be solved first.

Further, there is a problem due to the tolerance or the arrangement tolerance of each cover block 131 itself, and it may be necessary for some cover block 131 to protrude toward the center O in order to solve this tolerance. If an empty space b is not provided, some problematic cover block 131 can not protrude toward the center O, and thus can protrude in the opposite direction, that is, toward the first surface. This phenomenon undesirably deteriorates the gentle curvature of the first surface. In addition, the cover block 131 can be pressed to the extent that it can damage the flexible display 30 installed on the first surface during the rotation of the first case 10 and the second case 20. However, when the empty space b is provided, the curved portion of the first surface and the flexible display 30 may not be damaged because the problematic cover block 131 protrudes into the empty space b, which is not the first surface.

Figs. 14 and 15 are schematic views showing the operation of the hinge unit 100. Fig.

Fig. 14 shows a state in which the first case 10 and the second case 20 are partly unfolded, Fig. 15 shows a state in which the second case 20 rotates in the counterclockwise direction and the first case 10 and the second case 20 20 are overlapped with each other.

As shown in FIG. 14, the cover 130 can form the outer shape of the hinge unit 100. The hinge part 110 may be hidden from view by the plurality of cover blocks 131 constituting the cover part 130. [

15, it can be seen that the opposite surface of the first specific surface to which the flexible display 30 is attached and the surface opposite to the second specific surface of the second case 20 are completely in close contact with each other in the first case 10 .

On the other hand, the plurality of cover blocks 131 can be integrally formed on a flexible substrate such as a rubber plate that forms the first surface. However, the flexible substrate may have a problem that its length is stretched or distorted by frequent rotation. Therefore, it is preferable that the cover blocks 131 are provided independently of each other.

However, the cover blocks 131, which are provided independently of each other, can be lidded between the first case 10 and the second case 20. [ In order to prevent this, the hinge portion 110 may be used.

The hinge portion 110 may basically be a means for directly connecting the first case 10 and the second case 20. At this time, the cover blocks 131, which are separated from each other, can be supported by the hinge part 110.

16 is a sectional view showing a cover 130 and a hinge 110 constituting the hinge unit 100. As shown in Fig. 16 shows the cover 130 and the hinge 110 in a state where the first case 10 and the second case 20 are opened in a state of 180 degrees.

The hinge part 110 has one rotation axis, and it is difficult to support the cover block 131 so that the length W2 of the first surface is kept constant.

Thus, the hinge portions 110 may include a plurality of hinge blocks 113 linked to each other along the direction from the first case 10 toward the second case 20. The hinge part 110 may have a first fastening part 111 fastened to the first case 10 at one end and a second fastening part 112 fastened to the second case 20 at the other end .

In addition, the cover block 131 may be provided with a support shaft 133 at a position different from the first surface. For example, the support shaft 133 may be disposed at a position different from the first surface in the z-axis direction when the cover portion 130 is extended to '1'. At this time, the support shaft 133 may be parallel to the relative rotation shaft of the first case 10 and the second case 20 or the rotation axis of the hinge 110.

Each cover block 131 may extend toward a specific position O1, O2, etc., which are spaced apart from the first side, as described above. At this time, the specific positions O1 and O2 may correspond to the vertices of the triangular section. Therefore, the width W1 of each cover block 131 can be reduced toward a specific position. Each specific position is set for each cover block 131. In a state in which the first case 10 and the second case 20 are overlapped by the relative rotation, the plurality of specific positions O1, O2, Value. ≪ / RTI > The same value at this time can coincide with the center O of the specific circle described above.

According to this configuration, when the second fastening portion 112 rotates in the counterclockwise direction 1 in FIG. 16, the specific positions O1, O2, and the like can be brought close to each other. This means that the support shaft 133 provided in each cover block 131 also moves in the direction of approaching each other since there is no change in the length of the portion forming the first surface in each cover block 131. [

In order to ensure the movement of the support shaft 133, the hinge block 113 may be provided with an elongated hole 115 for movably supporting the support shaft 133. According to the elongated holes 115, the support shafts 133 provided in the respective cover blocks 131 can be brought close to each other or away from each other. The latter case may occur when the second case 20 rotates in the clockwise direction (2).

17 is a schematic view showing an elongated hole 115 formed in the hinge part 110. Fig.

The movement of the support shaft 133 provided in each cover block 131 is not randomly performed but can be performed along a virtual arc centered on the position O3 between the first cover plate 131 and the cover block 131. [

Therefore, the long hole 115 may extend along a virtual arc centered at O3. The length of the long hole 115 can determine the rotation range of the second case 20 rotating in the clockwise direction (2). If the length of the long hole 115 is sufficiently long, the second case 20 may be rotated to a position where the first specific surface and the second specific surface face each other, as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, it seems that the support shaft 133 should be disposed in O3, but it is not true. This is because it is difficult to arrange the center of the support shaft 133 on the first surface on the side surface.

According to the hinge unit 100 of the present invention, one of the first specific surface of the first case 10, the second specific surface of the second case 20, and the first surface 101 of the hinge unit 100 Of continuous flexible display 30 can be mounted. At this time, in the flexible display 30, a first area disposed on the first specific surface, a second area disposed on the second specific surface, and a third area facing the hinge unit 100 form one display area .

For example, when one piece of image data is displayed on the flexible display 30, the image data may be displayed with the first area, the second area and the third area as a so-called one screen. Specifically, the area of the first area disposed on the first specific surface may be a, the area b may be the second area disposed on the second specific surface, and the area c of the third area disposed on the hinge unit 100 may be c. One piece of image data may be displayed in an area d = a + b + c where a, b, and c are all combined.

When the first specific surface and the second specific surface are rotated by the hinge unit 100 so as to face each other, the flexible display 30 is turned off when the first specific surface and the second specific surface overlap each other, And can be turned on when the open state is released.

On the other hand, when the hinge unit 100 is rotated such that the opposite surface of the first case 10 opposite to the first specific surface and the surface opposite the second specific surface of the second case 20 face each other, another operation is required . In this case, even if the first case 10 and the second case 20 are stacked, the user can see at least the first area or the second area in the flexible display 30.

For example, when the first case 10 and the second case 20 each have a size of a smartphone and the user folds the first case 10 and the second case 20, (20).

At this time, the first area of the flexible display 30 disposed on the first specific surface of the first case 10 is exposed to the outside. Then, the second area disposed on the second specific surface is covered by the user's hand.

In such a situation, it may not be preferable that the flexible display 30 is turned on or off in d-area units where the first area, the second area and the third area are all combined.

This is because, if one piece of image data is displayed on the area d, a user who is only able to identify the first area has to check image data in a partially cut-out state. Conversely, if the entire flexible display 30 is turned off, it can be unreasonable since it is turned off to at least the first available area.

Therefore, it is preferable that the first area and the second area of the flexible display 30 are selectively turned on and off. If the flexible display 30 can selectively turn on and off each area, then base information is needed that can determine the selective on / off.

In order to acquire the base information at this time, the hinge unit 100 of the present invention may be provided with a holding unit 190.

The grasping portion 190 can grasp the degree of covering the second region of the flexible display 30 disposed on the first region or the second specific surface of the flexible display 30 disposed on the first specific surface. At this time, the degree of covering may indicate how much the first region or the second region is visually obscured when the user holding the first case 10 and the second case 20 sees it.

If the degree of blocking satisfies the first set value, the first area and the second area can form one display area. If the blocking degree satisfies the second set value different from the first set value, only one of the first area and the second area can be formed.

The degree of occlusion can be grasped in various ways.

For example, the grasping unit 190 may include touch grasping means, such as a touch sensor, for grasping the touch range of the first area or the second area of the flexible display 30. When the user supports the second case 20 with one hand, the palm will usually come into wide contact with the second specific surface or the second area. Using this phenomenon, the grasping unit 190 can determine that the area is covered by the palm or the floor of a specific fixture when the touch range of each specific face or each area satisfies the set value.

Then, the flexible display 30 turns off the second area which is judged to be visually obscured, and can make the first area only the display area. In this case, one piece of image data can be displayed only in the first area. The corresponding image data may be reduced to the size of the first area in a combined size of the first area and the second area.

In the above description, it is described that the holding unit 190 generates measurement information and uses the measurement information to determine the degree of occlusion. However, the holding unit 190 may generate only measurement information such as a touch range, It may be transmitted to a control unit (not shown).

As another example, the grasping section 190 may include roughness grasping means such as an illuminance sensor for grasping a light flux applied from the outside to the first region or the second region. When the second case 20 is placed on a particular fixture, the light flux on the second measurement surface or the second area is reduced. Therefore, if the luminous flux decreases and satisfies the set value, the determination unit 190 can determine that the second area is visually obscured.

The holding unit 190 may include an angle grasping means for grasping the angle of rotation between the first case 10 and the second case 20 or the angle of rotation of the hinge unit 100. [

The angle grasping means can grasp the angle of rotation in various ways. For example, when the specific cover block 131 or the specific hinge block 113 is brought into close contact with another cover block, another hinge block or each of the members 10 and 20 during the rotation process of the hinge unit 100, , The other hinge block, the first case (10), or the second case (20). The switch can be pressed by the specific cover block 131 or the specific hinge block 113 rotated at a specific angle. That is, when the switch is depressed, it can be seen that the specific cover block 131 or the specific hinge block 113 has been rotated at a certain angle, so that the switch can be an angle grasping means.

Specifically, when the corresponding switch is pressed, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are folded so that only one of the first region and the second region can be operated. If the depression of the corresponding switch is released, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are in an unfolded state, so that the first area and the second area both operate to form one display area.

If one of the first area and the second area is excluded from the display area according to the user's selection, the third area facing the hinge unit 100 may be included in the display area according to the user's selection, Can be excluded.

According to the above-mentioned department, a multimedia terminal that becomes a general smartphone when it is folded in half and a tablet can be provided when expanded.

According to the above-described hinge unit 100, the sliding problem due to the thickness L2 of the first case 10 and the thickness L3 of the second case 20 can be reduced as shown in FIG. Even if the hinge unit 100 is manufactured precisely, the sliding unit 200 may be omitted. However, in reality, it is difficult to manufacture the hinge unit 100 with such precision and tolerance, so that one end of the flexible display 30 is preferably slid along the first specific surface.

Therefore, the sliding unit 200 and the hinge unit 100 constituting the case apparatus of the present invention are reciprocally moved to rotate relative to each other in the first case 10 and the second case 20, It is possible to prevent damage to the connector 30 and increase the usability.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the true scope of the present invention should be determined by the following claims.

10 ... first case 20 ... second case
30 ... Flexible display 100 ... Hinge unit
110 ... hinge portion 111 ... first fastening portion
112 ... second fastening part 113 ... hinge block
115 ... elongated hole 130 ... cover portion
131 ... Cover block 133 ... Support shaft
190 ... holding portion 200 ... sliding unit
211 ... first guide 212 ... second guide
219 ... second fixing protrusion 231 ... moving plate
233 ... edge module 239 ... first fixing projection
290 ... pressing portion 291 ... torsion spring
293 ... Compression spring

Claims (10)

delete A first case in which one end of the flexible display is supported; And
And a sliding unit installed in the first case and sliding along a first direction parallel to the first specific surface of the first case,
Wherein one end of the flexible display is mounted on the sliding unit,
Wherein the sliding unit is provided with a pressing portion for pushing or pulling one end of the flexible display in a direction away from the other end of the flexible display from the positive direction of the first direction and the negative direction of the first direction.
delete A first case in which one end of the flexible display is supported;
A second case supporting the other end of the flexible display;
A hinge unit for rotatably connecting the first case and the second case to each other; And
And a sliding unit installed in the first case,
Wherein one end of the flexible display is mounted on the sliding unit,
Wherein the sliding unit is disposed so that the flexible display is in close contact with the first specific surface of the first case and the second specific surface of the second case regardless of the relative rotation between the first case and the second case, Which is parallel to the first specific surface of the substrate,
Wherein one end of the flexible display reciprocates between the first position and the second position in the first direction according to the relative rotation of the first case and the second case by the sliding unit,
Wherein the first position is closer to the hinge unit than the second position,
The sliding unit includes a guide portion provided in the first case, a sliding portion provided at one end of the flexible display and slidable along the first direction by the guide portion, a sliding portion extending from the first position toward the second position, And a pressing portion for pressing the sliding portion in the direction of the arrow.
delete A first case in which one end of the flexible display is supported;
A second case supporting the other end of the flexible display;
A hinge unit for rotatably connecting the first case and the second case to each other; And
And a sliding unit installed in the first case,
Wherein one end of the flexible display is mounted on the sliding unit,
Wherein the sliding unit is disposed so that the flexible display is in close contact with the first specific surface of the first case and the second specific surface of the second case regardless of the relative rotation between the first case and the second case, Which is parallel to the first specific surface of the substrate,
The sliding unit includes a first guide installed on a first specific surface of the first case and extending along the first direction, a plate-shaped moving plate closely fitted and fixed to one end of the flexible display, Lt; / RTI &
Wherein the sliding unit is provided with a pressing portion for pushing or pulling the moving plate along the first direction,
Wherein the pressing portion includes a torsion spring interposed between the moving plate and the first guide or between the moving plate and the first specific surface,
Wherein one end of the torsion spring is installed on the moving plate, and the other end of the torsion spring is installed on the first guide or the first specific surface.
delete A first case in which one end of the flexible display is supported;
A second case supporting the other end of the flexible display;
A hinge unit for rotatably connecting the first case and the second case to each other; And
And a sliding unit installed in the first case,
Wherein one end of the flexible display is mounted on the sliding unit,
Wherein the sliding unit is disposed so that the flexible display is in close contact with the first specific surface of the first case and the second specific surface of the second case regardless of the relative rotation between the first case and the second case, Which is parallel to the first specific surface of the substrate,
The sliding unit includes a second guide provided on one side of the first case and an edge module disposed on one side of the first case,
One end of the flexible display is fixed to the edge module,
The edge module is slid along the first direction by the second guide,
Wherein a pressing portion is provided between the edge module and the first case to push the edge module away from the first case.
A first case in which one end of the flexible display is supported;
A second case supporting the other end of the flexible display;
A hinge unit for rotatably connecting the first case and the second case to each other; And
And a sliding unit installed in the first case,
Wherein one end of the flexible display is mounted on the sliding unit,
Wherein the sliding unit is disposed so that the flexible display closely contacts the first specific surface of the first case and the second specific surface of the second case regardless of the relative rotation between the first case and the second case, Which is parallel to the first specific surface of the substrate,
The sliding unit includes a second guide provided on one side of the first case and an edge module disposed on one side of the first case,
One end of the flexible display is fixed to the edge module,
The edge module is slid along the first direction by the second guide,
Wherein the first specific surface is formed by a curved surface having a convex center than one side of the second guide in the first direction and the other side opposite to the one side.
A first case in which one end of the flexible display is supported;
A second case supporting the other end of the flexible display;
A hinge unit for rotatably connecting the first case and the second case to each other; And
And a sliding unit installed in the first case,
Wherein one end of the flexible display is mounted on the sliding unit,
Wherein the sliding unit is disposed so that the flexible display is in close contact with the first specific surface of the first case and the second specific surface of the second case regardless of the relative rotation between the first case and the second case, Which is parallel to the first specific surface of the substrate,
Wherein the first surface of the hinge unit is continuous to the first specific surface and the second specific surface,
Wherein the hinge unit is provided with a plurality of cover blocks forming the first surface,
Wherein each of the cover blocks is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first case and the second case,
Wherein a portion of the cover block forming the first surface is in close contact with another cover block,
Wherein the cross-sectional shape of each cover block is an isosceles trapezoid in which one side forms a part of the first side or a triangle or a base side forms an isosceles trapezoid that forms a part of the first side.

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