KR102163739B1 - Foldable device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable device, comprising: a flexible display including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion; A body including a first support portion for supporting a first portion of the flexible display, a second support portion for supporting a second portion of the flexible display, and a third support portion for supporting a third portion of the flexible display; And a first rotation shaft connecting the first support part and the third support part, and a second rotation shaft connecting the second support part and the third support part, wherein the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft are opened. A hinge unit installed such that the first support portion and the second support portion rotate with respect to the third support portion when the state is changed from the state to the closed state; And at least one of the first support part and the third support part, and at least one of the second support part and the third support part, and are rotatably coupled to the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft, and the first And a long hole provided to move the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft to a specific position when the support part and the second support part rotate with respect to the third support part.

Description

Foldable device {Foldable device}

The present invention relates to a foldable device, and more particularly, to a foldable device having a flexible display.

With the development of electronic technology, portable mobile devices such as communication terminals, game consoles, multimedia devices, portable computers, and photographing devices are widely used.

In general, such a mobile device has a display for displaying image information and an input means such as a keypad for inputting commands or information. Mobile devices are often formed in a foldable structure capable of folding the mobile device in order to make it smaller in size for convenience of portability. In the mobile device of this structure, the two bodies may be connected by a folding structure.

Since the conventional display has a non-foldable structure, the display may be disposed on either of the two bodies. Therefore, it is difficult to apply a large screen display to a foldable mobile device, that is, a foldable device.

As flexible displays that can be bent are developed, studies are being made to apply flexible displays to foldable devices. In this case, the flexible display can be disposed across the two bodies across the foldable structure, thereby providing a large screen.

However, a flexible display that can bend needs to be bent with a certain curvature. If the flexible display is bent at an angle, the bent portion of the flexible display may be damaged.

Therefore, a foldable device using a flexible display needs to have a structure capable of receiving a curved portion in which the flexible display is bent at a certain curvature in a folded state, and a structure capable of flatly supporting the bent portion of the flexible display in the unfolded state. .

The present invention is invented in view of the above problems, and relates to a foldable device capable of preventing damage to a flexible display when the foldable device is folded in a foldable device using a flexible display.

Further, the present invention relates to a foldable device having a structure capable of flatly supporting a bent portion of the flexible display when the foldable device is unfolded in a foldable device using a flexible display.

A foldable device according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a flexible display including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion; A body including a first support portion for supporting a first portion of the flexible display, a second support portion for supporting a second portion of the flexible display, and a third support portion for supporting a third portion of the flexible display; And a first rotation shaft connecting the first support part and the third support part, and a second rotation shaft connecting the second support part and the third support part, wherein the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft are opened. A hinge unit installed such that the first support portion and the second support portion rotate with respect to the third support portion when the state is changed from the state to the closed state; And at least one of the first support part and the third support part, and at least one of the second support part and the third support part, and are rotatably coupled to the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft, and the first It may include; a long hole provided to move the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft to a specific position when the support part and the second support part rotate with respect to the third support part.

In this case, the third support portion may include a first support wing rotatably connected to the first support portion and a second support wing rotatably connected to the second support portion.

In addition, the first rotation shaft is formed on both sides of the first support wing, the second rotation shaft is formed on both sides of the second support wing, and the long hole forms the first rotation axis of the first support wing. It may include a first long hole formed in the first support portion to accommodate and a second long hole formed in the second support portion to accommodate the second rotation shaft of the second support wing.

In addition, the first and second long holes may be formed in a linear shape.

In addition, the long hole includes a first long hole formed on both sides of the first support wing, and a second long hole formed on both sides of the second support wing, and the first rotation shaft It is installed on the first support portion so as to be inserted into the first long hole, and the second rotation shaft may be installed on the second support portion to be inserted into the second long hole of the second support wing.

In addition, the first and second long holes may be formed in a curved shape.

In addition, the long hole is a first long hole formed on both sides of the first support wing, a second long hole formed on both sides of the second support wing, and a first support portion facing the first long hole of the first support wing And a third long hole formed in the second long hole and a fourth long hole facing the second long hole of the second support wing, wherein the first rotation shaft is a first long hole of the first support wing and a third long hole of the first support The second rotation shaft may be inserted into the second long hole of the second support wing and the fourth long hole of the second support part.

In addition, it may include a fixing member for fixing the third portion of the flexible display to the upper surface of the first and second support wings.

In addition, the fixing member may include a double-sided tape and an adhesive.

In addition, a first reinforcing thin plate installed to cover a part of the first support part and a part of the third support part and support a part of the flexible display; And a second reinforcing thin plate installed to cover a part of the second support part and a part of the third support part and support a part of the flexible display.

In addition, the first and second reinforcing thin plates may be fixed to the rear surface of the flexible display.

In addition, according to the movement of the first and second support portions, the first and second support blades support the third portion of the flexible display to be positioned on the same plane as the first and second portions, and the Further comprising: an operation unit for operating the first and second support blades so as to be movable between the storage positions forming a storage space in which the curved third portion of the flexible display is accommodated between the first and second support parts. I can.

In addition, the operation unit may include first and second guide slots that move together with the first and second support portions, and first and second support arms that move by the first and second guide slots.

Further, the first and second support arms may include first and second guide pins penetrating through the first and second guide slots and extending to lower portions of the first and second support wings.

In addition, the third support portion may further include a central support member supporting a central portion of the third portion of the flexible display.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a foldable device includes: a flexible display including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion; A body including a first support portion for supporting a first portion of the flexible display, a second support portion for supporting a second portion of the flexible display, and a third support portion for supporting a third portion of the flexible display; And a first rotation shaft connecting the first support part and the third support part, and a second rotation shaft connecting the second support part and the third support part, wherein the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft are opened. A hinge unit installed such that the first support portion and the second support portion rotate with respect to the third support portion when the state is changed from the state to the closed state; And a display regulating member configured to move a portion of the third portion of the flexible display together with the third support portion when the flexible display is changed from an open state to a closed state.

In this case, the third support part includes a first support blade rotatably connected to the first support part by the first rotation shaft and a second support blade rotatably connected to the second support part by the second rotation shaft. can do.

In addition, the display regulating member may include a plurality of elongated grooves formed on an upper surface of each of the first and second support blades; And a sliding gel accommodated in the plurality of elongated grooves and configured to slide and move the third portion of the flexible display while attached to the upper surfaces of the first and second support wings.

In addition, the sliding gel may contain a lubricant or grease.

In addition, the display regulating member may include: a first stiffener fixed to a rear surface of a portion of the third portion of the flexible display corresponding to the first support wing; And a second stiffener fixed to a rear surface of a portion of the third portion of the flexible display corresponding to the second support wing.

1 is a perspective view showing an unfolded state of a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a side view schematically showing a relationship between a flexible display and a fixing portion of a body in a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a side view schematically showing a folded state of the foldable device of FIG. 2;
4 is a view for explaining a case where the behavior of the flexible display supported by the support blades in the foldable device is not regulated;
5 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the flexible display is separated from the foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
6 is an exploded perspective view showing an exploded state of the support in the foldable device of FIG. 5;
7 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge unit used in the foldable device of FIG. 5;
7A is a perspective view showing a fixed hinge and first and second regulatory slots of the hinge unit of FIG. 5;
7B is a perspective view showing the locking member and first and second support arms of the hinge unit of FIG. 5;
7C is a perspective view showing a state in which the second support arm of the hinge unit of FIG. 5 is installed on the second hinge frame to support the second support wing;
8 is a partial perspective view showing a relationship between a hinge unit and a support wing in a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
9 is a separate rear perspective view showing a support wing separated from a first body in a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
10A is a view showing a relationship between a support blade and a guide pin when a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention is in an unfolded state;
10B is a view showing a relationship between a support blade and a guide pin when the foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention is folded;
11A is a view showing a relationship between a support blade and a guide pin when a foldable device according to another embodiment of the present invention is in an unfolded state;
11B is a view showing a relationship between a support blade and a guide pin when a foldable device according to another embodiment of the present invention is in a folded state;
12A and 12B are views showing a case where a reinforcing thin plate is installed on the rear surface of the flexible display;
13A is a view showing a case in which a curved surface corresponding to a radius of curvature of a flexible display is formed only on a support wing;
13B is a view showing a case in which a curved surface corresponding to a radius of curvature of a flexible display is formed on a part of a body in which the support blades are installed and the support blades;
14 is a view showing an example of a display regulating member used in a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
15 is a view showing another example of a display regulating member used in a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a central support member supports a flexible display when a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention is unfolded;
17 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state of a central support member when the foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention is folded;
18 is a perspective view showing a central support member used in a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
19 is a view showing another example of installation of a rotating shaft and a long hole of a folding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the foldable device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The embodiments described below are illustratively shown to aid understanding of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention may be implemented with various modifications different from the embodiments described herein. However, in the following description of the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or component may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description and detailed illustration thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale to aid understanding of the invention, but dimensions of some components may be exaggerated.

1 is a perspective view showing an unfolded state of a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a relationship between a flexible display and a fixed portion of a body in a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a folded state of the foldable device of FIG. 2.

1 to 3, the foldable device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first body 10, a second body 20, and a flexible display 40.

The first body 10 and the second body 20 are connected to each other to form one body, and are located in an unfolded state as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or in a folded state as shown in FIG. 3 It can be located as The first body 10 and the second body 20 are each formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the upper surface is formed to fix or support the flexible display 40. A printed circuit board on which various electronic components capable of implementing the functions of the foldable device 1 may be mounted may be installed inside the first and second bodies 10 and 20.

The flexible display 40 may include a flexible display panel displaying an image and a transparent protective sheet installed on the front surface of the flexible display panel. As an example, the flexible display panel may use an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel. In addition, the flexible display 40 may further include a touch panel as an input means. As an example, the touch panel may be disposed between the transparent protective sheet and the flexible display panel. In addition, the flexible display 40 may further include various optical panels or optical films.

A part of the flexible display 40 is fixed to the first body 10 and another part is fixed to the second body 20. Accordingly, the flexible display 40 includes a first portion 41 fixed to the first body 10 and a second portion 42 fixed to the second body 20, and the first body 10 and the second body. It can be divided into a third part 43 between (20).

The first body 10 includes a first fixing part 11 to which the first part 41 of the flexible display is fixed, and the second body 20 is a second fixing part to which the second part 42 is fixed. (21) is provided. The first part 42 and the second part 42 of the flexible display 40 may be fixed to the first fixing part 11 and the second fixing part 21 respectively by fixing members such as adhesive and double-sided tape. have. The first fixing part 11 of the first body 10 constitutes a first support part supporting the first part 41 of the flexible display 40, and the second fixing part 21 of the second body 20 ) Constitutes a second support for supporting the second portion 42 of the flexible display 40.

The third part 43 of the flexible display 40 is a part that is deformed according to the relative position of the first body 10 and the second body 20, and the third part 43 is the first body 10 or It can be formed so as not to be fixed to the second body (20). As another example, a portion of the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 may be formed to be fixed to a portion of each of the first body 10 and the second body 20. The third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 is supported by a third support portion to be described later.

When the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are positioned in the folded state as shown in FIG. 3, the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 is a curved portion 44 having a predetermined radius of curvature. To form. Therefore, when the first body 10 and the second body 20 are in a folded state, the third part 43 of the flexible display 40 is not folded at an angle, and the third part 43 is a curved part 44 ) Can be bent into a curved shape.

A storage space 30 is provided inside the first and second bodies 10 and 20 so as to accommodate the curved third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 in the folded state. Specifically, in the foldable device 1 of the present embodiment, the first part 41 and the second part 42 of the flexible display 40 face each other in a folded state, and are positioned so as to be close or in contact with each other, and the third part 43 ) Is accommodated in the storage space 30 in a water droplet shape while being bent from the first and second portions 41 and 42 to the inside of the first and second bodies 10 and 20.

A hinge unit 50 is installed between the first and second bodies 10 and 20 so that the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are connected to be rotatable with respect to the hinge unit 50. Accordingly, the first and second bodies 10 and 20 have a folded position in which the first and second bodies 10 and 20 contact each other with the hinge unit 50 as the center, and the first and second bodies 10 and 20 ) Can be switched to an unfolded position that is spaced apart from each other to form a single plane. In other words, the hinge unit 50 allows the first support 11 and the second support 21 to rotate relative to the third support, so that the flexible display 40 is changed from an open state to a closed state, or in a closed state. Let it change to an open state.

As an example, the hinge unit 50 may include two hinge shafts 51 and 52 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (X direction). The first and second bodies 10 and 20 may be switched to an unfolded position and a folded position by rotating about the first and second hinge shafts 51 and 52, respectively.

Since the flexible display 40 cannot be folded at an angle due to its characteristics, a curved portion 44 having a constant radius of curvature is formed in the folded portion when the flexible display 40 is folded. The foldable device 1 using such a flexible display 40 includes the first and second bodies 10 and 20 folded from the unfolded state to the folded state, or vice versa, the flexible display 40 and the first And a path difference between the second bodies 10 and 20. Here, the path difference means that the length of the flexible display 40 in the folded state is shorter than the lengths of the first and second bodies 10 and 20 in the folded state. This path difference occurs because the flexible display 40 cannot be folded at an angle.

In order to compensate for such a path difference, the foldable device 1 may include a path difference compensation unit. The path difference compensation unit moves at least one of the first and second bodies 10 and 20 in a direction away from the hinge axis from the unfolded position to the transition position, and moves from the transition position to the folded position in the direction approaching the hinge axis. Can be formed to

In the present invention, the foldable device 1 may be a portable mobile device such as a communication terminal, a game machine, a multimedia device, a portable computer, and a photographing device. In addition, the foldable device 1 includes a first body 10 to which a part 41 of the flexible display 40 is fixed, and another part 42 of the flexible display 40 is fixed to the first body 10. Any device may be included as long as it has the second body 20 connected to be foldable.

The first and second bodies 10 and 20 are provided with a processing unit (not shown), input/output means (not shown), and a power supply unit (not shown) to perform functions according to the purpose of the foldable device 1 Can be. When the foldable device 1 is a multimedia terminal capable of enjoying images and music, the processing unit may include an image information processing unit (not shown) and an audio information processing unit (not shown). When the foldable device 1 is a communication terminal, the processing unit may include a communication module (not shown). The input/output means may include an image input/output unit (not shown), an audio input/output unit (not shown), and a manipulation unit (not shown) for user manipulation. The operation unit may be implemented by a touch panel integrated into the flexible display 40.

The first body 10 and the second body 20 of the foldable device 1 may be positioned in a folded state as shown in FIG. 3. In this case, the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 may form a curved portion 44 in the form of a water droplet as shown in FIG. 3. However, the flexible display 40 supported by the first and second support wings 12 and 22 of the first and second bodies 10 and 20 while folding the first body 10 and the second body 20 If the third part 43 of the flexible display 40 is not regulated, a part of the third part 43 connected to the first part 41 and the second part 42 of the flexible display 40 is as shown in FIG. It is not smoothly bent along the first and second support wings 12 and 22, but protrudes upwards away from the first and second support wings 12 and 22 as shown in FIG. 4 to form a wave It may cause distortion. When such a phenomenon occurs, the life of the flexible display 40 may be shortened due to the distorted portion 5. Here, FIG. 4 is for explaining a phenomenon in which a portion 5 of the flexible display is distorted when the behavior of the flexible display 40 supported by the first support wing 12 in the foldable device 1 is not regulated. It is a drawing. Although not shown in FIG. 4, a portion 5 of the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 supported by the second support wing 22 also causes distortion in the same manner as in FIG. 4.

Therefore, in order to solve this problem, when the first body 10 and the second body 20 are folded, a display regulating member for limiting the behavior of the flexible display 40 may be installed.

5 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a flexible display is separated from a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an exploded state of the support in the foldable device of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge unit used in the foldable device of FIG. 5. Since the hinge unit is symmetrical in the width direction (Y direction) of the foldable device, only one hinge unit is shown in FIG. 7. 8 is a partial perspective view showing a relationship between a hinge unit and a support wing in a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 to 8, the foldable device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first body 10, a second body 20, a hinge unit 30, and a flexible display 40. Include.

The first body 10 includes a first upper case 10-1 and a first lower case 10-2. The first upper case 10-1 includes a first fixing part 11 and a first support wing 12. The first part 41 of the flexible display 40 is fixed to the first fixing part 11. A stopper 13 may be installed at the first fixing part 11 to limit the rotation of the first support wing 12 below the first support wing 12. In the case of this embodiment, the stopper 13 is formed in a substantially triangular column shape.

The first support wing 12 is installed in parallel with the first fixing part 11 on one side of the first fixing part 11 and is formed to rotate at a certain angle with respect to the first fixing part 11. The first support wing 12 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape, and a pair of rotation shafts 14 is provided at a lower portion of one side adjacent to the first fixing portion 11. In addition, the pair of rotation shafts 14 are formed to protrude from both sides in the width direction of the first support wing 12 as shown in FIG. 9. The first support wing 12 constitutes a third support portion that supports the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40.

A part of the third part 43 of the flexible display 40 is attached to and fixed to the upper surface of the first support wing 12 by the fixing member 16. Double-sided tape, adhesive, etc. may be used as the fixing member 16. At this time, a partial area (hereinafter, the first connection part) 43a connected to the first part 41 of the third part 43 of the flexible display 40 is not fixed to the first support wing 12 but is separated from each other. State. In addition, some portions 43b of the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 supported by the first support wing 12 are fixed to the upper surface of the first support wing 12. Accordingly, when the first supporting blade 12 rotates, the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 may rotate integrally with the first supporting blade 12.

9 is a separate rear perspective view showing the first support blade 12 separated from the first body 10 in the foldable device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9, the inner wall 10a of the first upper case 10-1 of the first body 10 has a rotation shaft 14 of the first support blade 12 adjacent to the first fixing part 11 A long hole 15 into which this is inserted is provided. The first upper case 10-1 is provided with a pair of long holes 15 to correspond to the pair of rotation shafts 14 of the first support wing 12. The long hole 15 is formed in a linear shape having a length longer than the diameter of the rotating shaft 14. Therefore, when the first support wing 12 is inclined downward in a horizontal state, the first support wing 12 is equal to the difference between the length of the long hole 15 and the diameter of the rotation shaft 14 with respect to the first body 10 Since it can move, it is possible to absorb the stress applied to the flexible display 40 due to a path difference between the first support wing 12 and the flexible display 40.

The first lower case 10-2 is coupled to the first upper case 10-1 to constitute the first body 10. When a space is formed between the first lower case 10-2 and the first upper case 10-1, in this space, a processing unit, an input/output means, and an input/output means, so that the foldable device 1 can perform functions according to the purpose A printed circuit board implementing communication means, a power supply unit, and the like may be installed.

The second body 20 includes a second upper case 20-1 and a second lower case 20-2. The second upper case 20-1 includes a second fixing part 21 and a second support wing 22. The structure of the second fixing part 21 and the second supporting blade 22 of the second body 20 is the first fixing part 11 and the first supporting blade 12 of the first body 10 described above. Since the same, detailed description will be omitted. Accordingly, in the second upper case 20-1 of the second body 20, a pair of long holes 25 into which a pair of rotation shafts 24 of the second support blades 22 are inserted are provided. The second support wing 22 constitutes a third support portion supporting the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40. Accordingly, the third support portion may be composed of a first support wing 12 and a second support wing 22.

A part of the third part 43 of the flexible display 40 is attached to and fixed to the upper surface of the second support wing 22 by a fixing member. Double-sided tape, adhesive, etc. may be used as the fixing member. At this time, a partial area (hereinafter, referred to as the second connection portion) 43e connected to the second portion 42 of the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 is not fixed to the second support wing 22 but State. In addition, some portions 43d of the third portions 43 of the flexible display 40 supported by the second supporting blades 22 are fixed to the upper surface of the second supporting blades 22. Accordingly, when the second supporting blade 22 rotates, the third portion of the flexible display 40 may rotate integrally with the second supporting blade 22. The central portion 43c of the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 is not fixed to the first and second support wings 12 and 22 but is separated. The central portion 43c of the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 may be supported by a central support member to be described later. Accordingly, the third support portion supporting the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 may include a first support wing 12, a second support wing 22, and a central support member.

The hinge unit 50 is installed between the first body 10 and the second body 20, and the first body 10 and the second body 20 are switched from the unfolded position to the folded position or the folded position To the unfolded position. In addition, when the hinge unit 50 rotates between the unfolded position and the folded position of the first body 10 and the second body 20, the first support wing 12 and the second support wing 22 are interlocked. It can be formed to be rotated. That is, when the flexible display 40 installed on the body is changed from an open state to a closed state by the hinge unit 50, or when it is changed from a closed state to an open state, the first support wing 12 of the third support unit ) Is formed to rotate with respect to the first support portion 11, and the second support wing 22 of the third support portion rotates with respect to the second support portion 21. At this time, rotation of the third support portion with respect to the first and second support portions 11 and 21 can be seen as the rotation of the first and second support portions 11 and 21 with respect to the third support portion, respectively.

6, 7, and 8, the hinge unit 50 includes a fixed hinge 60, first and second hinge frames 70 and 80, a locking member 90, an interlocking bar 100, It may include first and second support arms 110 and 120 and first and second moving members 130 and 140.

The fixed hinge 60 includes two hinge shafts 51 and 52 installed in parallel, that is, first and second hinge shafts 51 and 52. The first and second hinge shafts 51 and 52 become a rotation reference when the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are switched from the unfolded position to the folded position or vice versa. Two reference pins, that is, first and second reference pins 61 and 62, are installed on the opposite surface of the hinge plate 53 on which the first and second hinge shafts 51 and 52 are installed. At this time, the first and second reference pins 61 and 62 are formed so that the positional relationship with respect to the first and second hinge axes 51 and 52 does not change.

The first hinge frame 70 is rotatably coupled to the first hinge shaft 51 of the fixed hinge 60. One end of the first hinge frame 70 is provided with a first hinge hole 71 into which the first hinge shaft 51 of the fixed hinge 60 is inserted, and a first locking member 75 is accommodated in the center. A space is prepared. A first guide block 72 capable of guiding the movement of the first moving member 130 is provided on a first side wall of the first hinge frame 70 facing the fixed hinge 60. A first guide slot 73 for guiding the movement of the first support arm 110 is formed on a second side wall of the first hinge frame 70 that is formed parallel to the first side wall.

The second hinge frame 80 is rotatably coupled to the second hinge shaft 52 of the fixed hinge 60. One end of the second hinge frame 80 is provided with a second hinge hole 81 into which the second hinge shaft 52 of the fixed hinge 60 is inserted, and a second locking member 85 can be accommodated in the center. A space is prepared. A second guide block 82 capable of guiding the movement of the second moving member 140 is provided on the first side wall of the second hinge frame 80 facing the fixed hinge 60. A second guide slot 83 for guiding the movement of the second support arm 120 is formed on a second side wall formed parallel to the first side wall of the second hinge frame 80.

The locking member 90 constitutes a locking unit together with the first and second locking members 75 and 85. The locking unit may lock the first and second bodies 10 and 20 of the foldable device 1 in a plurality of positions. For example, the locking unit may lock the first and second bodies 10 and 20 in a fully unfolded position (FIG. 2) and a fully folded position (FIG. 3). In addition, the locking unit can lock the first and second bodies 10 and 20 to a position (inclined position) having a predetermined opening angle between the fully extended position (Fig. 2) and the fully folded position (Fig. 3). Can be formed to be. The opening angle of the inclined position may be greater than 90 degrees. The locking unit may lock the first and second bodies 10 and 20 at a plurality of inclined positions between 90 and 180 degrees. For example, the opening angle of the inclined position may be 120 degrees.

The locking member 90 is installed in a fixed position, and the first and second locking members 75 and 85 are formed to be caught by the locking member 90 while rotating together with the first and second bodies 10 and 20 do. A plurality of locking portions 93 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the locking member 90 to lock the first and second bodies 10 and 20 in an unfolded position, an inclined position, and a folded position, respectively. Accordingly, the first and second locking members 75 and 85 are selectively engaged with one of the plurality of locking parts 93 according to the opening angles of the first and second bodies 10 and 20.

The side of the locking member 90 passes through the first and second hinge holes 71 and 81 of the first and second hinge frames 70 and 80 to the inside of the first and second hinge frames 70 and 80. The first and second fixing holes 91 and 92 into which the first and second hinge shafts 51 and 52 of the fixing hinge 60 protruding to can be inserted are provided. When the first and second hinge shafts 51 and 52 of the fixing hinge 60 are inserted into the first and second fixing holes 91 and 92 of the locking member 90, the locking member 90 It is fixed with respect to the fixed hinge 60 regardless of the rotation of the second body (10, 20).

The first and second locking members 75 and 85 rotate around the first and second hinge shafts 51 and 52 together with the first and second bodies 10 and 20. The first and second locking members 75 and 85 are supported by the first and second hinge frames 70 and 80 so that they can be moved in a direction approaching or away from the locking member 90. The first and second elastic members 76 and 86 include first and second engaging members 75 and 85 so that the first and second engaging members 75 and 85 maintain contact with the locking part 93. ) To apply elastic force.

An interlocking groove 94 in which the interlocking bar 100 is accommodated is formed on the side of the locking member 90. The interlocking bar 100 connects the first hinge frame 70 and the second hinge frame 80 so that the first and second hinge frames 70 and 80 rotate in synchronization. First and second connecting protrusions 101 and 102 are formed at both ends of the interlocking bar 100. The first connection protrusion 101 is inserted into the first connection hole formed in the first hinge frame 70, and the second connection protrusion 102 is inserted into the second connection hole 84 formed in the second hinge frame 80. Is inserted. When the first and second connection protrusions 101 and 102 of the interlocking bar 100 are coupled to the first and second connection holes 84 of the first and second hinge frames 70 and 80, the first and second bodies (10,20) is rotated synchronously. Accordingly, when any one of the first and second engaging members 75 and 85 is caught by the locking portion 93, the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are locked so as not to rotate.

The first support arm 110 moves the first support wing 12 according to the movement of the first body 10. The second support arm 120 moves the second support wing 22 according to the movement of the second body 20. As described above, the first and second support blades 12 and 22 can move between the support position and the storage position. When the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are in the unfolded position, the first and second support wings 12 and 22 are located in the support position, and the first and second bodies 10 and 20 When positioned in the folded position, the first and second support blades 12 and 22 are positioned in the storage position. In order to be able to use the first and second bodies 10 and 20 in an inclined position between the unfolded position and the folded position, the first and second support wings 12 and 22 are used in the section from the unfolded position to the inclined position. ) Is maintained in the support position and is folded beyond the inclined position, the first and second support wings 12 and 22 may be moved to the storage position. Accordingly, the storage start angle at which the first and second support wings 12 and 22 start moving from the support position to the storage position may be greater than or equal to an angle corresponding to the inclined position. As an example, since the foldable device 1 is usually used at an opening angle of 90 degrees or more, the first and second support wings 12 and 22 are formed to be held in the support position in the range of 90 degrees to 180 degrees of opening angles. Can be.

The first and second support arms 110 and 120 maintain the first and second support wings 12 and 22 in the support position in the section from the unfolded position to the storage start position corresponding to the storage start angle, and maintain the storage start position. When folded over, the first and second support wings 12 and 22 are formed to move to the storage position. To this end, the first and second support arms 110 and 120 support the first and second support wings 12 and 22 while turning around a fixed position with respect to the first and second hinge axes 51 and 52, respectively. It can be formed to be.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7, 7B and 7C, a first guide pin 111 and a first pivot pin 112 are provided at both ends of the first support arm 110, and a second support arm A second guide pin 121 and a second pivot pin 122 are provided at both ends of the 120. The first and second pivot pins 112 and 122 are rotatably installed on the locking member 90. The locking member 90 is provided with first and second pivot holes 95 and 96 into which the first and second pivot pins 112 and 122 are rotatably inserted, as shown in FIG. 7B. The first and second guide pins 111 and 121 are inserted into the first and second guide slots 73 and 83 formed on one side wall of each of the first and second hinge frames 70 and 80. The first guide pin 111 passes through the first guide slot 73 and extends below the first support wing 12 to support the first support wing 12. Therefore, when the first guide pin 111 is moved by the first guide slot 73, the first support blade 12 is also rotated about the rotation shaft 14.

Likewise, the second guide pin 121 passes through the second guide slot 83 and extends below the second support wing 22 to support the second support wing 22. Therefore, when the second guide pin 121 is moved by the second guide slot 83, the second support blade 22 is also rotated about the rotation shaft 24.

The first and second guide slots 73 and 83 provided on one side wall of each of the first and second hinge frames 70 and 80 include a support section 73a and a storage section 73b. The support section 73a corresponds to a section from the open position to the storage start position, and the storage section 73b corresponds to a section from the storage start position to the folded position. The support section 73a is the first and second guide pins of the first and second support arms 110 and 120 while the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are rotated from the unfolded position to the storage start position. (111, 121) is formed to maintain the position to support the first and second support wings (12, 22). The storage section 73b includes the first and second guide pins 111 and 121 while the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are rotated from the storage start position to the folded position, and the first and second support wings 12 The first and second support arms 110 and 120 rotate to move in a direction away from (22). Then, the first and second support blades 12 and 22 rotate from the support position to the storage position by their own weight.

10A shows the first support wing 12 when the first and second bodies 10 and 20 of the foldable device 1 are in an unfolded state. Since the second support wing 22 operates in the same manner as the first support wing 12, only the first support wing 12 is shown in FIG. 10A.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the first guide pin 111 is located in the support section 73a of the first guide slot 73, and the first support wing 12 is a first guide pin of the first support arm 110. It is supported by (111) and held in the support position. Although not shown, the second support blade 22 is also maintained in the support position by the second guide pin 121 of the second support arm 120. Specifically, the second guide pin 121 of the second support arm 120 is located in the support section 83a (see Fig. 7c) of the second guide slot 83, and the second support wing 22 is It is supported by the guide pin 121 and maintained in the support position. Accordingly, the flexible display 40 is supported by the first and second fixing portions 11 and 21, the first and second support wings 12 and 22, and the central support member 150 to be described later to be in a flat state. maintain.

When the first and second bodies 10 and 20 start to be folded in the state of FIG. 10A, the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are formed by the first and second hinge shafts ( 51,52). Until the first and second bodies 10 and 20 reach the storage start position, the first and second guide pins 51 and 52 are the support sections of the first and second guide slots 73 and 83 ( 73a, 83a), the first and second support arms 110 and 120 are maintained in positions supporting the first and second support wings 12 and 22.

When the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are folded beyond the storage start position, the first and second guide pins 111 and 121 are disposed in the storage section 73b of the first and second guide slots 73 and 83. 83b). The first and second support arms 110 and 120 rotate in a direction away from the first and second support wings 12 and 22 around the first and second pivot pins 112 and 122. Accordingly, the first and second support wings 12 and 22 are also rotated toward the bottom surface of the first and second bodies 10 and 20 so that the storage space 30 in the first and second bodies 10 and 20 ) (See Fig. 3) to form. At this time, since portions 43b and 43d of the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 are fixed on the upper surfaces of the first and second support wings 12 and 22, the third portion of the flexible display 40 43 is gently bent toward the bottom surface of the first and second bodies 10 and 20 together with the first and second support wings 12 and 22 to form a curved portion 44 to form a storage space 30. Is stored.

At this time, the rotation shafts 14 and 24 of the first and second support wings 12 and 22 are long holes provided on the side walls 10a and 20a of the first and second bodies 10 and 20 as shown in FIG. 10B. As it moves toward the first and second fixing portions 11 and 21 along (15, 25), it absorbs the path difference occurring between the flexible display 40 and the first and second support wings 12 and 22. That is, the rotational shafts 14 and 24 of the first and second support blades 12 and 22 to absorb the path difference that occurs between the flexible display 40 and the first and second support blades 12 and 22 It moves to a specific position along the long holes 15 and 25 provided in the side walls 10a and 20a of the first and second bodies 10 and 20. Therefore, distortion of the flexible display 40 that occurs when the flexible display 40 is not regulated can be prevented and stress applied to the flexible display 40 can be minimized. Here, FIG. 10B is a view showing the relationship between the first support blade and the first guide pin when the foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention is folded.

Therefore, in the present embodiment described above, when the first and second support wings 12 and 22 move between the support position and the storage position, the flexible display 40 corresponding to the first and second support wings 12 and 22 The display regulating member that allows the third part 43 of) to move together with the first and second support wings 12 and 22 is a part 43b and 43d of the third part 43 of the flexible display 40. The first and second support wings 12 and 22 are formed on a fixing member 16 fixed to the upper surface of each of the first and second bodies 10 and 20, respectively, and the first and second support wings 12, 22) It may be implemented by a pair of first and second long holes 15 and 25 into which each pair of first and second rotation shafts 14 and 24 are inserted.

The shapes of the first and second guide slots 73 and 83 are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The shape of the first and second guide slots 73 and 83 may vary depending on the positions of the first and second pivot holes 95 and 96 with respect to the first and second hinge shafts 51 and 52.

The first and second moving members 130 and 140 are installed on the first sidewalls of the first and second hinge frames 70 and 80 so as to be movable with respect to the first and second hinge frames 70 and 80, respectively. In addition, the first and second moving members 130 and 140 are installed to move integrally with the first and second bodies 10 and 20. Accordingly, the first and second moving members 130 and 140 regulate the amount of movement of the first and second bodies 10 and 20 with respect to the first and second hinge shafts 51 and 52.

7A is a perspective view showing the fixed hinge 60 and the first and second regulatory slots 131 and 141 of the hinge unit 50 of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 7A, first and second regulatory slots 131 and 141 are provided in the first and second moving members 130 and 140, respectively. The first and second regulation slots 131 and 141 have a shape capable of regulating the amount of movement of the first and second bodies 10 and 20 according to the rotation angle of the first and second bodies 10 and 20. . The first and second reference pins 61 and 62 of the fixing hinge 60 are inserted into the first and second regulation slots 131 and 141. In this embodiment, the first and second regulatory slots 131 and 141 of the first and second movable members 130 and 140 and the first and second reference pins 61 and 62 of the fixed hinge 60 are the path difference compensation unit. Configure.

As described above, the first and second support wings 12 and 22 can move between the support position and the storage position as the first and second bodies 10 and 20 move between the unfolded position and the folded position. have. At this time, the first and second support wings 12 and 22 have one end of the first and second support arms 110 and 120 rotatably installed on the locking member 90 fixed to the fixed hinge 60. 2 It is rotated by the guide pins 111 and 121 and the first and second guide slots 73 and 83 formed on the second side walls of the first and second hinge frames 70 and 80. Therefore, the first and second support blades 12, 22 so that the first and second support blades 12 and 22 move between the support position and the storage position according to the movement of the first and second bodies 10 and 20. The operating unit for operating 22) includes first and second guide slots 73 and 83 of the first and second hinge frames 70 and 80 moving together with the first and second bodies 10 and 20, It may be implemented by first and second support arms 110 and 120 that rotate based on the locking member 90 and are limited in movement by the first and second guide slots 73 and 83.

The flexible display 40 is installed on the upper surfaces of the first and second bodies 10 and 20, and the first part 41 and the second body are fixed to the first fixing part 11 of the first body 10 It includes a second portion 42 fixed to the second fixing portion 21 of (20), and a third portion 43 positioned between the first portion 41 and the second portion 42. Since the flexible display 40 has been described above, a detailed description will be omitted.

In the above, when the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are folded, the flexible display that occurs at the connection portion between the first and second fixing portions 11 and 21 and the first and second support wings 12 and 22 Description of the case where a pair of long holes 15 and 25 that can prevent distortion of 40 and minimize stress applied to the flexible display 40 are formed in the first and second bodies 10 and 20 However, as another embodiment, a pair of long holes is formed on the first and second support wings, and a configuration of forming a pair of rotation shafts on the first and second bodies is also possible. This configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B.

11A is a view showing a position of a support wing when a foldable device according to another embodiment of the present invention is in an unfolded state, and FIG. 11B is a view showing the position of a support wing when the foldable device according to another embodiment of the present invention is folded. It is a diagram showing the location.

Referring to FIG. 11A, the rotating shaft 14' is installed on the side wall 10a of the first body 10, and the long hole 15' is attached to the support plate 12a extending downward from the first support wing 12. Is formed. At this time, the long hole 15 ′ may be formed in a curved shape. In addition, the first guide pin 111 is located in the support section (73a) of the first guide slot (73), the first support blade (12) is the first guide pin (111) of the first support arm (110) It is supported by and held in the support position. Although not shown, the second support blade 22 is also held in the support position by the second guide pin 121 moving by the second guide slot 83. Accordingly, the flexible display 40 is supported by the first and second fixing portions 11 and 21, the first and second support wings 12 and 22, and the central support member 150 to be described later to be in a flat state. maintain.

When the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are folded, the first guide pin 111 is positioned in the storage section 73b of the first guide slot 73, as shown in FIG. 11B. Accordingly, the first support wing 12 also rotates downward toward the bottom surface of the first body 10 to form the storage space 30 in the first body 10. In addition, although not shown, the second support blade 22 is also located in the receiving section by the second guide pin 121 that moves by the second guide slot 83. Accordingly, the second support blade 22 also rotates toward the bottom surface of the second body 20 to form the storage space 30 in the second body 20. At this time, since a part of the third part 43 of the flexible display 40 is fixed to the upper surface of the first and second support wings 12 and 22, the third part 43 of the flexible display 40 is The first and second support wings 12 and 22 together with the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are gently bent toward the bottom surface to form a curved portion and are accommodated in the storage space 30.

At this time, the first and second long holes 15' formed in the first and second support wings 12 and 22 are side walls 10a of the first and second bodies 10 and 20 as shown in FIG. 11B. It is generated between the flexible display 40 and the first and second support wings 12 and 22 because it moves toward the first and second fixing portions 11 and 21 along the first and second rotation shafts 14 ′ provided in It absorbs the difference in path. Therefore, distortion of the flexible display 40 that occurs when the flexible display 40 is not regulated can be prevented and stress applied to the flexible display 40 can be minimized.

In the above, when the body is folded, distortion of the flexible display 40 that occurs at the connecting portion of the first and second support portions 11 and 21 and the first and second support wings 12 and 22 of the third support portion is prevented. Long holes (15, 25) that can minimize the stress applied to the flexible display (40) constitute the first and second bodies (10, 20) or the third support that constitutes the first and second support. A case where the first and second support wings 12 and 22 are formed and the rotation shafts 14 and 14 ′ are installed on the counter member has been described.

However, as another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the first and second support wings 12 and 22 of the third support portion and the first and second support portions of the long hole (15"-1, 15"-2) Formed in both the first and second bodies 10 and 20 constituting (11, 21), and the rotating shaft 14" is formed separately to the two long holes (15"-1,15"-2) facing each other. For reference, since the second support wing 22 operates in the same manner as the first support wing 12, in FIG. 19, one side of the first support wing 12 and the first support part 11 Only long holes (15"-1,15"-2) installed on one side are shown.

Specifically, a first long hole (15"-1) and a second long hole are formed in the first support wing 12 and the second support wing 22 of the third support, respectively, and the first support wing 12 is installed A third long hole (15"-2) corresponding to the first long hole (15"-1) is formed in the first support part 11, and the second support blade 22 is installed on the second support part 21 A fourth long hole corresponding to the second long hole is formed. And, the first support part 11 and the first support blade 12 of the third support part have a first long hole 15"-1 and a third long hole 15". -2) By inserting the first rotation shaft 14", the first support part 11 and the third support part are installed to be rotatable with each other. In addition, the second support part 21 and the second support blade 22 of the third support part insert a second rotation shaft into the second long hole and the fourth long hole so that the second support part 21 and the third support part can rotate with each other. Install.

12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating a case in which a reinforcing thin plate is installed on a rear surface of a flexible display.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, a reinforcing thin plate may be installed on a rear surface of a region of the flexible display corresponding to a part of the fixing part and a part of the support blade at a part where one end of the fixing part and the support blade are adjacent to each other.

For example, the first portion 41 of the flexible display 40 is fixed to the first fixing portion 11 of the first body 10 and a portion 43b of the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 ) Is fixed to the upper surface of the first support wing 12, reinforcement on the rear of the portion 43a of the flexible display 40 that is not fixed to the first fixing portion 11 and the first support wing 12 A thin plate 160 may be installed. Therefore, the reinforcing thin plate 160 is the adhesive portion 17 of the first fixing portion 11 and the first fixing portion 11 so as to cover a portion of the vicinity of the first fixing portion 11 and a portion of the first support wing 12. It is formed to have a width corresponding to the gap between the fixing member 16 of the support wing 12 and a length corresponding to the width of the first support wing 12. The reinforcing thin plate 160 may be formed of a thin stainless steel plate. In FIGS. 12A and 12B, only a portion of the flexible display 40 supported by the first support wing 12 is illustrated and described, but the portion of the flexible display 40 supported by the second support wing 22 is also described. 1 The reinforcing thin plate 160 may be installed in the same manner as the portion supported by the support wing 12.

Since the reinforcing thin plate 160 has a greater rigidity than the flexible display 40, when the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are in the unfolded position as shown in FIG. 12A, the user may use the first and second fixing parts. When a portion of the flexible display 40 corresponding to the space between the (11, 21) and the first and second support wings (12, 22) is pressed, the flexible display 40 may be supported so as not to bend.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are in the folded position, the first and second support wings 12 and 22 are inclined downward. When the first and second support wings 12 and 22 rotate downward, the reinforcing sheet 160 does not stretch and only bends, so that the tensile stress received by the flexible display 40 positioned above the reinforcing sheet 160 is Can be minimized.

When the first and second bodies 10 and 20 of the foldable device 1 are in the folded position, the first and second support wings 12 and 22 rotate downward and the third part of the flexible display 40 ( 43) is bent at a constant curvature to form a curved portion 44. At this time, the first and second fixing portions 11 and 21 of the first and second bodies 10 and 20 and portions of the first and second support wings 12 and 22 are partially bent of the flexible display 40. Form the corresponding curved surface. A method of forming this curved surface will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B.

13A is a diagram illustrating a case where a curved surface corresponding to the bending of a flexible display is formed only on the support blades, and FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating a case where a curved surface corresponding to the bending of the flexible display is formed from a part of the body in which the support blades are installed .

As shown in FIG. 13A, all curved surfaces 170 corresponding to the bending of the flexible display 40 may be formed only on the first support wing 12. The curved surface 170 is formed on a part of the upper surface of the first support wing 12 adjacent to one end of the first fixing portion 11. That is, the curved surface 170 is formed on the upper side of the portion where the rotation shaft 14 or the long hole 15 ′, which is the rotation center of the first support wing 12, is formed. When the distance from one end of the first fixing part 11 to the point P of the first support wing 12 at which the curved surface 170 ends is L1, the groove 171 formed by the curved surface 170 The depth becomes t1.

13B, a curved surface 170 ′ corresponding to the bending of the flexible display 40 is formed so as to extend from a partial region of one end of the first fixing part 11 to the first support wing 12 can do. Accordingly, a part of the curved surface 170 ′ is formed near one end of the first fixing part 11, and the remaining part of the curved surface 170 ′ is formed on the first support wing 12. Accordingly, the length of the curved surface formed on the first support wing 12 is reduced. When the first support wing 12 is in a horizontal position, the horizontal length corresponding to the curved surface 170 ′ may be referred to as L2. When the length of L2 is the same as L1, the distance L3 from one end of the first fixing part 11 to the point P of the first support wing 12 where the curved surface 170' ends is smaller than L2. Becomes (L3<L2). In addition, the depth t2 of the groove 171 ′ formed by the curved surface 170 ′ is also smaller than the groove depth t1 when all the curved surfaces 170 are formed on the first support wing 12. . That is, t2 <t1.

13A and 13B show and describe the first support wing 12 installed on the first body 10, but the second support wing 22 installed on the second body 20 is the same as described above. Can form a curved surface.

Therefore, if the curved surface 170 ′ corresponding to the bending of the flexible display 40 is formed to span the first and second support wings 12 and 22 from the first and second fixing portions 11 and 21 , When the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are unfolded, the length and depth of the area of the flexible display 40 not supported by the first and second support wings 12 and 22 can be reduced.

In the above, as an example of a display regulating member that prevents distortion from occurring in the flexible display 40 when the first and second bodies 10 and 20 of the foldable device 1 are in a folded position, a flexible display ( A part of the third part 43 of 40) is fixed to the first and second support blades 12 and 22, and the rotation shafts 14 and 24 of the first and second support blades 12 and 22 are formed in a long hole 15 ,25). However, this is only an example, and when moving the first and second support wings 12 and 22 to the storage position, various methods capable of preventing distortion occurring in the flexible display 40 may be used.

14 is a view showing an example of a display regulating member used in a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, the display regulating member includes a plurality of long grooves 180 formed on the upper surface of the first support wing 12 and a sliding gel 181 accommodated in the plurality of long grooves 180. I can.

The first support blade 12 is rotatably installed on one side of the first fixing part 11 of the first body 10. The first support wing 12 may be located in a horizontal state and a downward inclined state by the operation unit as described above. A plurality of long grooves 180 are formed on the upper surface of the first support wing 12. The plurality of long grooves 180 are formed parallel to the upper surface of the first support wing 12 at a predetermined depth that does not penetrate the first support wing 12. The plurality of long grooves 180 may be formed in the width direction of the first support blade 12 as shown in FIG. 14. Alternatively, although not shown, the plurality of long grooves 180 may be formed in the longitudinal direction of the first support blade 12.

A sliding gel (181) is filled in the plurality of grooves (180). The sliding gel 181 allows the part of the flexible display 40 supported by the first support wing 12 to slide with respect to the first support wing 12 and move, while the flexible display 40 allows the first support wing (12) It can be formed of a viscous fluid that does not fall off the upper surface. For example, as the sliding gel 181, a lubricant or grease having an appropriate viscosity may be used. Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, the flexible display 40 is attached to the first support wing 12 due to the viscosity of the sliding gel 181. In addition, the flexible display 40 is allowed to move in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the first support wing 12.

A part of the flexible display 40 that is not supported by the first support wing 12 is fixed to the first fixing portion 11 of the first body 10. In addition, the structure of the first support wing 12 other than that is similar to the first support wing 12 of the foldable device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, so a detailed description will be omitted.

In FIG. 14, only the first support wing 12 is illustrated and described, but it is natural that the second support wing 22 can also be formed in the same manner as the first support wing 12.

Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the third part 43 of the flexible display 40 is attached to the upper surfaces of the first and second support blades 12 and 22, and the first and second support blades 12 ,22), it is possible to prevent distortion of the flexible display 40 that occurs when the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are folded, and absorbs the stress applied to the flexible display 40 can do.

15 is a view showing another example of a display regulating member used in a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15, the display regulating member may include a first stiffener 190 attached to the rear surface of the flexible display 40.

The first support blade 12 is rotatably installed on one side of the first fixing part 11 of the first body 10. The first support wing 12 may be located in a horizontal state and a downward inclined state by the operation unit as described above. The flexible display 40 is located above the first fixing part 11 and the first supporting blade 12. The first part 41 of the flexible display 40 corresponding to the first fixing part 11 is fixed to the first fixing part 11 by a fixing member 17 such as double-sided tape. A part of the third part 43 of the flexible display 40 corresponding to the first support wing 12 is installed to be slidable with respect to the first support wing 12. Accordingly, when the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are folded, a partial area of the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 slides with respect to the upper surface of the first support wing 12.

The first stiffener 190 according to an embodiment of the present invention is fixed to the rear of the part of the flexible display 40 that slides with respect to the first support wing 12. Since the first stiffener 190 is rigid compared to the flexible display 40, it supports the sliding of the flexible display 40 with respect to the first support wing 12, and prevents the flexible display 40 from being distorted. I can. The first stiffener 190 has a size corresponding to the upper surface of the first support wing 12.

Although not shown, a second stiffener is also installed in an area of the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40 corresponding to the second support wing 22. The second stiffener is attached to the rear side of the flexible display 40 in the same shape as the first stiffener 190 shown in FIG. 15.

According to this embodiment, the first and second stiffeners 190 are provided on the lower surfaces of the portions corresponding to the first and second support wings 12 and 22 of the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40. In the attached state, since the third part 43 of the flexible display 40 is slidable with respect to the first and second support wings 12 and 22, the first and second bodies 10 and 20 can be folded. It is possible to prevent distortion of the flexible display 40 that occurs.

Meanwhile, between the first and second bodies 10 and 20 of the foldable device 1, a central support member 150 is installed to support the central portion of the third portion 43 of the flexible display 40. I can. Hereinafter, an example of a central support member that can be used in a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18.

16 is a view showing a state in which the central support member 150 supports the flexible display 40 when the first and second bodies 10 and 20 of the foldable device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are unfolded. It is a partial cross-sectional view. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a position of a central support member when a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention is folded. 18 is a perspective view showing a central support member used in a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16, when the first and second bodies 10 and 20 of the foldable device 1 are in an unfolded state, the central support member 150 is formed of the third area 43 of the flexible display 40. Support the central part. Specifically, when the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are in an unfolded state, the central support member 150 is a flexible display 40 corresponding to the gap between the first and second support wings 12 and 22 It is formed to support a portion of the. Therefore, even when the user applies a force to the center of the third area 43 of the flexible display 40, the flexible display 40 is stably supported without being pressed down.

An example of the central support member 150 is shown in FIG. 18. Referring to FIG. 18, the central support member 150 includes a main support part 151 and an auxiliary support part 153.

The main support part 151 is formed in a substantially square bar shape and has a length corresponding to the width of the flexible display 40. A plurality of coupling grooves 152 in which the auxiliary support portions 153 are installed are formed on both sides of the main support portion 151 at regular intervals. The bottom of each of the plurality of coupling grooves 152 functions as a support jaw 152a to prevent the auxiliary support 153 from rotating in the opposite direction.

Two auxiliary support parts 153 are provided to be installed on both sides of the main support part 151. The auxiliary support portion 153 is formed in an approximately square bar shape and has a length corresponding to the main support portion 151. A plurality of coupling protrusions 154 that can be coupled to the plurality of coupling grooves 152 of the main support portion 151 are provided on one side of the auxiliary support portion 153. The coupling groove 152 of the main support portion 151 and the coupling protrusion 154 of the auxiliary support portion 153 are coupled in a hinge structure. Accordingly, the auxiliary support 153 may rotate at a certain angle with respect to the main support 151. At this time, since the rotation of the auxiliary support 153 is limited by the bottom 152a of the main support 151, the auxiliary support 153 can only rotate upward with respect to the main support 151 and rotate downward. Can't.

Accordingly, when the foldable device 1 having the central support member 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention is in an unfolded state, the central support member 150 supports the first and second support members as shown in FIG. 16. Since it is located in the space between the wings 12 and 22 to support the flexible display 40, the user can stably use the middle portion of the flexible display 40.

In addition, when the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are in the folded position, as shown in FIG. 17, the main support part 151 of the central support member 150 descends downward, and two auxiliary The support part 153 is in an inclined state so as not to interfere with the curved part of the flexible display 40 curved in the form of water droplets.

Therefore, the foldable device 1 having the central support member 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention stably has the central portion of the flexible display 40 when the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are unfolded. It can be supported, and when the first and second bodies 10 and 20 are positioned in a folded state, they do not interfere with the curved portion of the flexible display 40.

In the above, the present invention has been described in an exemplary manner. Terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible according to the above contents. Therefore, the present invention may be freely practiced within the scope of the claims unless otherwise stated.

One; Foldable device 10; First body
11; The first fixed government 12; 1st support wing
14,24; Rotation axis 15,25; Longevity
20; Second body 21; Second fixed government
22; Second support wing 30; Storage space
40; Flexible display 44; bend
50; Hinge units 51,52; Hinge shaft
60; Fixed hinges 70,80; Hinged frame
73,83; Guide slots 75,85; Locking member
90; Locking member 100; Interlocking bar
110,120; Support arm 111,121; Guide pin
130,140; Moving member 150; Central support member
160; Reinforcing sheet 170; Curved surface
180; Long groove 190; Stiffener

Claims (20)

A flexible display including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion;
A body including a first support portion for supporting a first portion of the flexible display, a second support portion for supporting a second portion of the flexible display, and a third support portion for supporting a third portion of the flexible display;
And a first rotation shaft connecting the first support part and the third support part, and a second rotation shaft connecting the second support part and the third support part, wherein the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft are opened. A hinge unit installed such that the first support portion and the second support portion rotate with respect to the third support portion when the state is changed from the state to the closed state; And
It is formed on at least one of the first support portion and the third support portion and at least one of the second support portion and the third support portion, is rotatably coupled to the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft, and the first support portion And a long hole provided to move the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft to a specific position along the inner surface of the long hole when the second support part rotates with respect to the third support part. . The method of claim 1,
Wherein the third support part includes a first support blade rotatably connected to the first support part and a second support blade rotatably connected to the second support part. The method of claim 2,
The first rotation shaft is formed on both sides of the first support wing, the second rotation shaft is formed on both sides of the second support wing,
The long hole is formed in a second support portion to accommodate the first long hole formed in the first support portion to accommodate the first rotation axis of the first support wing and the second rotation axis of the second support wing Foldable device comprising a second long hole. The method of claim 3,
The first and second long holes are foldable device, characterized in that formed in a linear shape. The method of claim 2,
The long hole includes a first long hole formed on both sides of the first support wing, and a second long hole formed on both sides of the second support wing,
The first rotation shaft is installed on the first support so as to be inserted into the first long hole of the first support blade, and the second rotation shaft is inserted into the second long hole of the second support blade. Foldable device, characterized in that installed on the two support. The method of claim 5,
The first and second long holes are foldable device, characterized in that formed in a curved shape. The method of claim 2,
The long hole is formed in a first long hole formed on both sides of the first support wing, a second long hole formed on both sides of the second support wing, and a first support portion facing the first long hole of the first support wing It includes a third long hole, and a fourth long hole facing the second long hole of the second support wing,
The first rotation shaft is inserted into the first long hole of the first support wing and the third long hole of the first support, and the second rotation shaft is a second long hole of the second support wing and a fourth long hole of the second support wing Foldable device, characterized in that inserted into the. The method of claim 2,
And a fixing member fixing the third portion of the flexible display to the upper surfaces of the first and second support wings. The method of claim 8,
The fixing member is a foldable device, characterized in that it comprises a double-sided tape and an adhesive. The method of claim 1,
A first reinforcing thin plate installed to cover a part of the first support part and a part of the third support part and support a part of the flexible display; And
And a second reinforcing sheet that covers a part of the second support part and a part of the third support part and is installed to support a part of the flexible display. The method of claim 10,
The first and second reinforcing thin plates are foldable device, characterized in that fixed to the rear surface of the flexible display. The method of claim 2,
In accordance with the movement of the first and second support portions, the first and second support blades support the third portion of the flexible display to be positioned on the same plane as the first and second portions, and the first And an operation unit for operating the first and second support blades to move between the storage positions forming a storage space in which the curved third portion of the flexible display is accommodated between the second support parts. Folding device The method of claim 12,
The operation unit comprises first and second guide slots that move together with the first and second support portions, and first and second support arms that move by the first and second guide slots. device. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the first and second support arms include first and second guide pins penetrating through the first and second guide slots and extending to the lower portions of the first and second support wings. The method of claim 2,
The third support portion further comprises a central support member for supporting a central portion of the third portion of the flexible display. A flexible display including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion;
A body including a first support portion for supporting a first portion of the flexible display, a second support portion for supporting a second portion of the flexible display, and a third support portion for supporting a third portion of the flexible display;
And a first rotation shaft connecting the first support part and the third support part, and a second rotation shaft connecting the second support part and the third support part, wherein the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft are opened. A hinge unit installed such that the first support portion and the second support portion rotate with respect to the third support portion when the state is changed from the state to the closed state; And
A display regulating member attaching a portion of the third portion and the third support portion so that a portion of the third portion of the flexible display moves together with the third support portion when the flexible display is changed from an open state to a closed state; Foldable device comprising a. The method of claim 16,
The third support part includes a first support blade rotatably connected to the first support part by the first rotation shaft and a second support blade rotatably connected to the second support part by the second rotation shaft. Foldable device, characterized in that. The method of claim 17,
The display regulating member,
A plurality of long grooves formed on an upper surface of each of the first and second support blades; And
And a sliding gel that is accommodated in the plurality of elongated grooves and allows the third portion of the flexible display to slide while being attached to the upper surfaces of the first and second support wings. The method of claim 18,
The sliding gel is a foldable device, characterized in that it contains a lubricant and grease. The method of claim 17,
The display regulating member,
A first stiffener fixed to a rear surface of a part of the third portion of the flexible display corresponding to the first support wing; And
And a second stiffener fixed to a rear surface of a portion of the third portion of the flexible display corresponding to the second support wing.

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