KR102186343B1 - Hinge Apparatus And Foldable Display Apparatus Having The Same - Google Patents

Abstract

The hinge device of the present invention includes a hinge unit coupled to enable an unfolding and folding operation of a flexible display panel, and the hinge unit includes a first hinge body to which a first actual shaft gear is fixed, and a second actual shaft gear. It includes a second hinge body to be fixed, and an even number of gears are inserted between the first real shaft gear and the second real shaft gear, and when the flexible display panel is opened and folded, the first hinge body and the second The hinge body can be rotated simultaneously and each can be rotated by the same angle.

Description

Hinge device and a foldable display device having the same TECHNICAL FIELD [Hinge Apparatus And Foldable Display Apparatus Having The Same}

The present invention relates to a hinge device and a foldable display device having the same.

A flexible display panel is a display panel that can be bent at a predetermined curvature.

The foldable display device includes a flexible display panel capable of a touch input.

The present invention achieves a simple structure through the assembly structure of a four-row gear consisting of a real shaft gear having a real shaft and a rotating gear meshing with the real shaft gear during repeated unfolding and folding operations of a foldable display device, It is to provide a hinge device in which the folding operation is performed, and a foldable display device including the hinge device.

The hinge device of the present invention includes a hinge unit that is coupled to enable an unfolding and folding operation of the flexible display panel, and the hinge unit includes a first hinge body to which a first actual shaft gear is fixed, and a second actual shaft gear. It includes a second hinge body to be fixed, and an even number of gears are inserted between the first real shaft gear and the second real shaft gear, and when the flexible display panel is opened and folded, the first hinge body and the second The hinge body can be rotated simultaneously and each can be rotated by the same angle.

According to the hinge device of the present invention, a first hinge body to which one side of the flexible display panel is in close contact and a second hinge body to which the other side is in close contact are provided, and a center point at which the flexible display panel is folded is defined as a folding center, and the first When the rotation center of the hinge body is defined as a first center and the rotation center of the second hinge body is defined as a second center, when the flexible display panel is folded and unfolded, the first center and the second center Is in a fixed position, and the position of the folding center can be moved.

The foldable display device of the present invention includes: a first hinge body and a second hinge body to which a flexible display panel is coupled; A hinge unit in which the first hinge body and the second hinge body are rotatably connected to each other; Including, wherein the hinge unit includes a first hinge body having a first real shaft gear and a second hinge body having a second real shaft gear, wherein the first hinge body and the second hinge body are symmetrical to each other Structure can be achieved.

The flexible display panel is a state-of-the-art technology that folds one sheet without a joint based on the folding center.

However, in order to fold the flexible display panel, at least two body parts including a body part supporting one side of the panel and a body part supporting the other side of the panel are required, and a hinge device serving as a rotation center is inserted between the pair of body parts. I can. A hinge device is provided inside the flexible display panel to perform an unfolding operation and a folding operation.

By using the hinge device of the present invention, the operation of expanding or folding a pair of body parts is repeatedly performed.

According to the present invention, the foldable display device improves the problem of excessive folding beyond the limit of bending deformation that the flexible display panel can withstand in the folding center, which is the boundary part of the first and second body parts in which the hinge device is installed. can do.

According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately expand and fold the flexible display panel through the first real shaft gear and the second real shaft gear which are symmetrical to each other.

The present invention is composed of a combination of a first real shaft gear having a real shaft, a second real shaft gear, and a first rotation gear and a second rotation gear meshing with these real shaft gears, so that it is flexible with a simple and compact structure. The unfolding and folding of the display panel can be reliably implemented.

The present invention can be arbitrarily stopped at a desired angle through an angle maintaining unit, and can be used in a 180 degree flat state.

In the present invention, when the flexible display panel is unfolded and folded, the flexible display panel is not coupled to a portion of the end portions of the first hinge body and the second hinge body, so there is no change in the length of the flexible display panel and can be used in a flat state. have.

1 is a perspective view of a hinge device according to the present invention.
2 is a partially exploded perspective view of FIG. 1.
3 is an exploded perspective view of a folded state in FIG. 2.
4 is a perspective view of the lifting unit in FIG. 2.
5 is a plan view of a state in which the cover member is removed from FIG. 1.
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 5.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 5.
Fig. 8 is a view according to Fig. 6 including a schematic enlarged view.
9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 5.
10 is an exploded perspective view of the angle maintaining unit according to the present invention.
11 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge device according to the present invention in an unfolded state.
12 is a cross-sectional view of the folded state in FIG. 11 by 90 degrees.

Hereinafter, specific details for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying exemplary drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a hinge device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a folded state in FIG. 2. .

1 and 2, the hinge device 1 according to the present invention includes a first hinge body 10 and a second hinge body 20, and includes a first hinge body 10 and a second hinge. The bodies 20 can be connected to each other and rotated.

The hinge unit 30 may rotatably connect the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 to each other.

The hinge unit 30 may be composed of a first hinge unit 32 and a second hinge unit 34 having a structure symmetrical to each other.

The hinge units 30 may be formed in plural between the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 at intervals along the length direction.

The first hinge unit 32 and the second hinge unit 34 may include a first real shaft gear 40 and a second real shaft gear 50, respectively.

The first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 may be formed on the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, respectively.

The first actual shaft gear 40 and the second actual shaft gear 50 may be integrally formed with the first connection member 60 and the second connection member 70, respectively. The first connecting member 60 and the second connecting member 70 may be fixed to the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, respectively.

Protrusions 61 and 71 protruding in the rotational direction may be formed on the first and second connection members 60 and 70, respectively. The protrusions 61 and 71 may function as a fixing means for fixing the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 at 180 degrees.

The first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 may be rotated in opposite directions by the same angle. For this, an even number of gears can be meshed. A first rotation gear 80 and a second rotation gear 90 meshed with the first actual shaft gear 40 and the second actual shaft gear 50 may be provided.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first rotation gear 80 and the second rotation gear 90 may be disposed to mesh with each other.

The first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 are not completely circular, and may have a partial gear shape from which a portion is removed. In the first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50, a tooth part is not formed in a range of 360 degrees, and a first tooth part 41 and a second tooth part 51 may be formed, respectively, in only a portion. have.

If the rotation angle of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 when the flexible display panel is folded is 0 degrees, the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body when the flexible display panel is fully unfolded. Each of the 20 rotation angles is 90 degrees.

In order to satisfy a rotation angle of 90 degrees between the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, the formation range of the gear may be at least 90 degrees. Therefore, it is preferable that the first tooth portion 41 and the second tooth portion 51 of the first actual shaft gear 40 and the second actual shaft gear 50 exceed 90 degrees.

On the other hand, if the first tooth part 41 and the second tooth part 51 are formed at too large an angle, the size or radius of the gear may increase, and even the gear tooth may protrude or damage the rear surface of the flexible display panel. There is. The first tooth portion 41 and the second tooth portion 51 may be formed within a range of more than 90 degrees and within 180 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 2, on both sides of the first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50, a pair of supporting the first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 are supported. The member 100 may be provided at intervals.

The support member 100 may be provided between the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20. In the receiving groove 101 of the support member 100, a curved portion in which the flexible display panel is folded around the folding center 730 may be accommodated.

The first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 may each include a first rotation shaft 42 and a second rotation shaft 52 that are rotatably coupled to the support member 100. The first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 may be rotated between the support member 100 when the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 rotate.

When the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 are in a flat state, the first rotation shaft 42 and the second rotation shaft 52 are respectively a first hinge body 10 and a second hinge body. It can be formed in a position spaced apart from (20).

When the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 are in a flat state, the first rotation shaft 42 and the second rotation shaft 52 are respectively a first hinge body 10 and a second hinge body. It may be formed with an interval on the opposite side of the flexible display panel (F) attached to the (20).

The first rotation gear 80 and the second rotation gear 90 may have a first extension shaft 81 and a second extension shaft 91 extending to one side, respectively.

Since the rotation centers of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 are spaced apart from each other and there is a gap between them, the gap between the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 is filled, and this An elevating unit may be provided to support the central portion of the flexible display panel F facing the gap. An elevating unit 140 may be provided between the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, since the folding center of the flexible display panel F moves linearly during the folding and unfolding operation, it is necessary to secure an empty space in which the curved portion of the flexible display panel F is accommodated. The rear surface of the flat portion on which the flexible display panel F is unfolded needs to be in close contact with the lifting unit. The elevating unit 140 may be elevated when the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 are rotated.

The elevating unit 140 is formed on the elevating plate 141 and the elevating plate 141 formed over the entire length of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 and has a moving passage 142a. Includes a pair of passage members 142, a moving rod 143 that passes through the moving passage 142a of the passage member 142 and moves along the moving passage 142a, and a coupling member 144 connected to the moving rod 143 can do.

Referring to FIG. 4, the elevator plate 141 may not be formed with the same width over the entire length, but may be formed in a structure in which the width varies depending on the location.

According to the elevator plate 141, the first real shaft gear 40, the second real shaft gear 50 so that interference does not occur when the first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 rotate. A groove may be provided in the portion where the is arranged to have a narrow width.

The passage members 142 may be formed toward the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, respectively, and may be formed in plurality at intervals along the length direction of the elevator plate 141.

The moving passage 142a of the passage member 142 may be formed in a long hole structure.

A plurality of coupling members 144 are respectively fixed to the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 at intervals, and the coupling member 144 has an insertion tube 144a through which the moving rod 143 passes. Can be formed.

A first fixing member 110 and a second fixing member 120 are fixed to the pair of support members 100, respectively, and the first fixing member 110 is coupled to a side surface of one support member 100, and the second The fixing member 120 may be coupled to the other support member 100 at an interval.

The second fixing member 120 may be coupled to the first extension shaft 81 and the second extension shaft 91, and each of the first extension shaft 81 and the second extension shaft 91 has an angle maintaining unit ( 150) can be provided.

Referring to FIG. 2, the first fixing member 110 and the second fixing member 120 may have accommodation grooves 121 of each fixing member, similar to the accommodation groove 111 of the support member 100. .

Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of passage members 142 formed at intervals along the length direction of the elevator plate 141 are an assembly structure of an actual shaft gear and a rotation gear provided between a pair of support members 100 , It may be provided on the outside of the angle maintaining unit 150.

2, a stopper rod 130 is coupled between one support member 100 and the first fixing member 110, and the stopper rod 130 is a first hinge body 10 side and a second hinge One each may be provided toward the body 20 side.

The stopper rod 130 may maintain a flat state during the unfolding operation of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20.

2, 3 and 9, the angle maintaining unit 150 includes a first cam member 160 and a second cam member respectively coupled to the first extension shaft 81 and the second extension shaft 91 It may be composed of 170 and the coil spring 180.

9 and 10, the first cam member 160 has a through hole 161 through which the first extension shaft 81 or the second extension shaft 91 passes, and the second cam member 170 The surface in contact with) may be formed as a first surface 162, a second surface 163, a third surface 164, and a fourth surface 165 having different protrusion heights at intervals along the circumferential direction. .

The first surface 162 and the third surface 164 of the first cam member 160 may be formed to protrude higher than the second surface 163 and the fourth surface 165.

The first surface 162 and the third surface 164 of the first cam member 160 may have the same height as the second surface 163 and the fourth surface 165.

The second cam member 170 has a coupling hole 171 to which the first extension shaft 81 or the second extension shaft 91 is coupled, and a portion of the coupling hole 171 is formed as a cam flat surface 171a. Can be formed.

The second cam member 170 has a first surface 172, a second surface 173, a third surface 174 having different protrusion heights along the circumferential direction on the surface in contact with the first cam member 160, It may be formed as an area of the fourth surface 175.

The first surface 172 and the third surface 174 of the second cam member 170 may be formed to have a height lower than that of the second surface 173 and the fourth surface 175.

The first surface 172 and the third surface 174, the second surface 173, and the fourth surface 175 of the second cam member 170 may be formed to have the same height.

The second cam member 170 rotates together when the first extension shaft 81 or the second extension shaft 91 rotates, and may be moved in the axial direction.

The coil spring 180 may be composed of a coil spring that provides an accurate elastic force, and may be urged to always press the second cam member 170 toward the first cam member 160.

A nut 190 for maintaining the assembled state of the first cam member 160, the second cam member 170, and the coil spring 180 at the end sides of the first extension shaft 81 and the second extension shaft 91 Can be combined.

The first cam member 160 may have an extension part 166 coupled to the stopper rod 130.

Referring to FIG. 1, the hinge device 1 of the present invention may include a separate cover member 200, and the cover member 200 is designed to prevent the introduction of various foreign substances.

In the hinge device 1 according to the present invention, the flexible display panel F is coupled, and the unfolding and folding operations may be performed.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the hinge device 1 according to the present invention includes rotation of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 when the flexible display panel F is opened and folded. Together, the first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 may be rotated at the same time.

Since the first actual shaft gear 40 and the second actual shaft gear 50 are engaged with the first rotation gear 80 and the second rotation gear 90, respectively, the first actual shaft gear 40 and the second When the actual shaft gear 50 rotates (for example, change from the unfolded position to the folded position), it can rotate while being engaged with the first and second rotational gears 80 and 90, respectively. .

In the hinge device 1 of the present invention, the first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50, which have a symmetrical structure with each other, are respectively a first rotation gear 80 and a second rotation gear 90 and Since the rotation movement is made by meshing, the rotation operation can be implemented without shaking.

The hinge device 1 of the present invention is formed through a four-row structure consisting of a first real shaft gear 40, a second real shaft gear 50, a first rotation gear 80, and a second rotation gear 90. Since the rotation operation is implemented, a simple structure can be achieved, and even if the rotation operation is repeated, it is always accurate and the rotation operation can be provided at the same time.

When the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 rotate during the unfolding and folding operation, the elevating unit 140 may operate to perform an ascending or lowering operation.

When the hinge device 1 of the present invention rotates the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 in the folded direction, the first actual shaft gear 40 and the second actual shaft gear 50 are respectively The formed first rotation shaft 42 and the second rotation shaft 52 become the center so that the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 rotate, and the lifting plate 141 of the lifting unit 140 rises. Can be.

When the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 rotate in the folded direction, the coupling members 144 respectively coupled to the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 rotate, At the same time, the moving rod 143 inserted into the insertion tube 144a of the coupling member 144 is constrained in the moving passage 142a when it is rotated, so that the lifting plate 141 is lifted by the angle of rotational movement. Can be done.

Referring to FIG. 8, the moving rod 143 is from the rotation center C of the first rotation shaft 42 of the first actual shaft gear 40 or the second rotation shaft 52 of the second actual shaft gear 50. The distance to the moving rod 143 may be a radius (R).

When the first actual shaft gear 40 or the second actual shaft gear 50 is rotated to a position folded by 90 degrees in a 180-degree flat state with such a radius R, the elevator plate 141 and the passage member 142 ) Rises as much as the distance that the moving rod 143 is rotated and at the same time, the moving rod 143 may move within the moving passage 142a.

Conversely, in the case of a 180-degree unfolding operation in a 90-degree folded state, the moving rods 143 of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 are formed by the first rotational shaft of the first actual shaft gear 40 ( The distance between 42) and the second rotation shaft 52 of the second actual shaft gear 50 may be rotated in the opposite direction to the folding operation with a radius R.

Since the moving rod 143 moves in the downward direction, it is moved in the moving passage 142a of the passage member 142, and the elevator plate 141 may be lowered.

In the hinge device 1 of the present invention, during the folding operation, the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 may be switched from a flat horizontal state to a vertical state.

When the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 are rotated, a part of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 may enter into the receiving groove 101 of the support member 100, and the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge The flexible display panel F is not attached to a part of the body 20 and can be maintained in a separated state.

6, the positions of the first rotation shaft 42 of the first real shaft gear 40 and the second rotation shaft 52 of the second real shaft gear 50 are respectively the first hinge body 10 and the second rotation shaft. 2 Since it is formed at a distance from the hinge body 20, the first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 are each one of the first rotation gear 80 and the second rotation gear 90 The flexible display panel F is engaged with and can be reliably supported during the unfolding and folding operation.

Since the gears meshing with the first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 can be composed of only the first rotation gear 80 and the second rotation gear 90, respectively, the structure can be simplified. .

Since the first rotation gear 80 and the second rotation gear 90 are arranged in mesh with each other, simultaneous rotation can be realized when the first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 rotate, and is flexible. The unfolding and folding operation of the display panel F can be reliably and accurately implemented.

The hinge device 1 of the present invention is not unfolded more than 180 degrees during the unfolding operation, and can maintain a flat state.

When the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 rotate in the unfolding direction, the first connection member 60 and the first connection member 60 coupled to the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 respectively 2 Since the protrusions 61 and 71 protrude from the connection member 70, the protrusions 61 and 71 may be stopped while meeting the stopper rod 130.

When the user unfolds the flexible display panel F with excessive force, the hinge device 1 of the present invention can maintain a stopped state without rotating more than 180 degrees, and damage to the hinge device due to an excessive rotation operation. Alternatively, damage to the flexible display panel F can be prevented.

The hinge device 1 of the present invention can be stopped at a desired angle within a 90 degree angle range.

The angle maintaining unit 150 may maintain rotation angles of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20.

When the first actual shaft gear 40 and the second actual shaft gear 50 rotate, the angle maintaining unit 150 is controlled as the first rotation gear 80 and the second rotation gear 90 meshed respectively rotate. The operation may be implemented by rotation of the 1 extension shaft 81 and the second extension shaft 91.

When the first extension shaft 81 and the second extension shaft 91 rotate, the second cam member 170 coupled to the first extension shaft 81 and the second extension shaft 91 rotates simultaneously, As the second cam member 170 rotates, it moves in the axial direction due to a contact relationship with the first cam member 160 and compresses the coil spring 180.

9 and 10, the first cam member 160 and the second cam member 170 each have four first surfaces 162 and 172 having different protrusion heights in the circumferential direction on the surfaces in contact with each other. To fourth surfaces 165 and 175, so when the second cam member 170 rotates, the protruding second surface 173 and the fourth surface 175 of the second cam member 170 It may be moved in the axial direction while meeting the first surface 162 and the third surface 164 protruding from the contact surface of the first cam member 160.

The flexible display panel F can be temporarily stopped at a desired angle within the unfolded position and the folded position (90° to 180° range), and the protruding surface of the first cam member 160 and the second cam member 170 Since the repulsive force of the coil spring 180, which is stronger, acts at the point where the protruding surfaces of the surface meet, the stop operation can be controlled in a plurality of steps.

When the flexible display panel F is rotated, the hinge device 1 of the present invention can maintain a stationary state at a desired angle and maintain an unfolded angle without shaking.

The hinge device 1 according to the present invention may be provided in a foldable display device.

The foldable display device supports a hinge device (1), a flexible display panel (F) and a flexible display panel (F) formed on the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 of the hinge device 1 It may be composed of a first support frame and a second support frame.

When the foldable display device of the present invention is folded, it may be implemented in an infolding manner in which a screen portion is disposed inside.

The foldable display device of the present invention may configure a plurality of folding centers 730 by installing a plurality of hinge devices 1.

11 and 12, a center point at which the flexible display panel F is folded may be defined as a folding center 730. One side and the other side of the flexible display panel F may be folded or unfolded around the folding center 730. The radius of curvature of the folding center 730 may be allowed from 0.1mm, which is a level of completely overlapping, to several mm, which is a level where one side and the other side have some gaps. The radius of curvature of which the minimum level is desirable may vary depending on the characteristics of the OLED, which is a material of the flexible display panel F, or the performance of the hinge unit 30.

The important point may be that the flexible display panel F is a single panel that is completely connected so that there are no joints or cuts in the portion facing the hinge unit 30. On the other hand, since the first hinge body 10 to which one side of the flexible display panel F is in close contact and the second hinge body 20 to which the other side is in close contact must be rotated based on the folding center 730, it is separated into two. It can be a separate member. Here, a means for filling a gap between the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 is required, and a lift plate 141 may be provided for this purpose.

It may be appropriate that the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, which are separate members, have different rotation centers. It is preferable that the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20 should not move freely, but only change the angle while maintaining a constant relative position with each other. To this end, it is preferable that the rotation center of the first hinge body 10 and the rotation center of the second hinge body 20 are fixed positions. The rotation center of the first hinge body 10 is the first center 710 coinciding with the rotation center of the first actual shaft gear 40, and the rotation center of the second hinge body 20 is the second actual shaft gear ( It may be a second center 720 that is a rotation center of 50).

A direction in which one side and the other side of the flexible display panel F face each other, and the exposed side facing the flexible display panel F is defined as the first panel surface, and the flexible display panel F is the first hinge body. (10) and the surface facing the second hinge body 20 may be defined as the second panel surface. When the flexible display panel (F) is completely folded and the rotation angle of the first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 is viewed at 0 degrees, the flexible display panel F is removed from the fully unfolded 180 degree position. The rotation angle of the 1 actual shaft gear 40 and the second actual shaft gear 50 can be viewed at 90 degrees. In order to form a gear tooth having a predetermined size or more in a range of at least 90 degrees, the radiuses of the first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 may be greater than a predetermined value.

In consideration of the radius of each gear, the first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 cannot be provided on the first panel surface side, but are preferably disposed on the second panel surface side. The first center 710 and the second center 720 are also difficult to be located at a position spaced apart from the first panel surface upward and may be located at a position spaced apart from the second panel surface in a direction toward each hinge body.

Referring to FIG. 11, a state in which the flexible display panel F is fully unfolded in one plane may be defined as a 180 degree position. Referring to FIG. 12, a state in which one side and the other side of the flexible display panel F face at least parallel with respect to the folding center 730 may be defined as a 0 degree position.

Since the first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 only rotate while being fixed at a predetermined position, the separation distance between the first center 710 and the second center 720 may be constant. .

The first real shaft gear 40 and the second real shaft gear 50 may be provided at positions spaced apart from the second panel surface along a direction from the first panel surface toward the second panel surface. The first rotation shaft 42 and the second rotation shaft 52 must have a predetermined diameter, and the flexible display panel F must have a smooth plane. Accordingly, the first center 710 and the second center 720 may be provided at positions spaced apart from the second panel surface along a direction from the first panel surface toward the second panel surface.

Since the first center 710 and the second center 720, which are rotation centers of each of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, are provided at positions retracted from the second panel surface, the first center ( A means for supporting a part of the flexible display panel F between the 710 and the second center 720 is required. This may be the elevator plate 141.

In the 180-degree position shown in FIG. 11, the folding center 730 is present in a position that is biased toward the first panel surface or outward from the straight line connecting the first center 710 and the second center 720. I can. In the 0 degree position shown in FIG. 12, the folding center 730 may exist in a position that is biased from the straight line connecting the first center 710 and the second center 720 to the second panel surface or in the second direction facing the inside. have. According to the rotation of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, the folding center 730 of the flexible display panel F is a straight line connecting the first center 710 and the second center 720. It can be moved linearly from one side to the other. In response to the linear movement of the folding center 730, the elevator plate 141 facing the second panel surface of the flexible display panel F may be linearly moved.

Before and after the rotation of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, the portion where the flexible display panel F maintains a plane is defined as a flat portion, and the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body ( A portion where the flexible display panel F bends before and after rotation of 20) may be defined as a curved portion.

Referring to FIG. 11, before and after rotation of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, the planar portion may be in close contact with each of the first and second hinge bodies 10 and 20. Before and after the rotation of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, the curved portion may be spaced apart from the lifting unit 140 or the lifting plate 141. The curved portion may be separated from each of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20.

Referring to FIG. 12, before and after the rotation of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, at least a portion of the curved portion may be spaced apart from each of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20. have. Before and after the rotation of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, at least a portion of the curved portion is spaced apart from each of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, and the body separation unit ( 810 may be provided on the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20. The flexible display panel F may not be adhered to or fixed to the body separating part 810.

Before and after the rotation of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, at least a portion of the curved portion may be spaced apart from the lifting unit 140 or the lifting plate 141. Before and after the rotation of the first hinge body 10 and the second hinge body 20, at least a part of the curved portion is spaced apart from the lifting unit 140 or the lifting plate 141, and the lifting plate separating part 820 lifts and descends. It may be provided on the unit 140 or the elevator plate 141. The flexible display panel F may not be adhered to or fixed to the elevator plate separation unit 820.

C: Center of rotation F: Flexible display panel
1: hinge device
10: first hinge body 20: second hinge body
30: hinge unit 32: first hinge unit
34: second hinge unit 40: first actual shaft gear
41: first tooth portion 42: first rotation shaft
50: second actual shaft gear 51: second tooth portion
52: second rotation shaft 60: first connecting member
61: protrusion 70: second connection member
71: protrusion 80: first rotation gear
81: first extension shaft 81a: flat cut surface
90: second rotation gear 91: second extension shaft
91a: flat cut surface 100: support member
101: receiving groove 110: first fixing member
111: receiving groove 120: second fixing member
121: receiving groove 130: stopper rod
140: elevating unit 141: elevating plate
142: passage member 142a: moving passage
143: moving rod 144: lifting plate
144a: insertion tube 150: angle maintenance unit
160: first cam member 161: through hole
162: first side 163: second side
164: page 3 165: page 4
166: extension part 170: second cam member
171: coupling hole 171a: cam flat surface
172: side 1 173: side 2
174: page 3 175: page 4
180: coil spring 190: nut
200: cover member 710: first center
720: second center 730: folding center
810: body separation unit 820: elevator plate separation unit

Claims (18)

It includes a hinge unit that is coupled to enable the unfolding and folding of the flexible display panel,
The hinge unit includes a first hinge body to which the first actual shaft gear is fixed, and a second hinge body to which the second actual shaft gear is fixed,
Even number of gears are inserted between the first real shaft gear and the second real shaft gear,
During the unfolding and folding operation of the flexible display panel, the first hinge body and the second hinge body are simultaneously rotated and each rotated by the same angle,
The even number of gears includes a first rotation gear and a second rotation gear meshing with each other,
The first rotation gear meshes with the first actual shaft gear,
The second rotation gear is meshed with the second actual shaft gear,
The first rotation gear and the second rotation gear are formed with teeth over the entire circumference,
A first tooth portion formed only on a portion of the circumference of the first actual shaft gear and a second tooth portion having teeth formed only on a portion of the circumference of the second actual shaft gear are provided,
The first tooth portion is engaged with the first rotation gear,
The second toothed portion is a hinge device engaged with the second rotational gear.
The method of claim 1,
A support member rotatably supporting the even number of gears is provided,
The support member is in a fixed position, and the first hinge body and the second hinge body are each rotated with respect to the support member.
The method of claim 1,
The first rotation gear and the second rotation gear are rotatably supported by a support member,
A first connection member and a second connection member are respectively coupled to the first hinge body and the second hinge body,
A hinge device in which a first real shaft gear and a second real shaft gear are integrally coupled to the first connection member and the second connection member, respectively.
The method of claim 1,
A virtual straight line connecting the first center that is the rotation center of the first real shaft gear and the second center that is the rotation center of the second real shaft gear,
A hinge device longer than a virtual straight line connecting a first extension shaft that is a rotation center of the first rotation gear and a second extension shaft that is a rotation center of the second rotation gear.
The method of claim 1,
The rotation center of the first actual shaft gear is a first center, the rotation center of the second actual shaft gear is a second center, a first extension shaft that is a rotation center of the first rotation gear is provided, and the second A second extension shaft, which is the rotation center of the rotating gear, is provided,
The virtual straight line connecting the first center and the first extension axis forms an acute angle with the virtual straight line connecting the second center and the second extension axis,
The hinge device that the acute angle formed by the virtual straight lines is kept constant when the first hinge body and the second hinge body rotate.
delete The method of claim 1,
Each of the first hinge body and the second hinge body has a rotatable range of substantially 90 degrees,
An angular range in which the first teeth and the second teeth are formed is at least 90 degrees.
The method of claim 1,
It includes an angle maintaining unit for stopping the rotation of the first hinge body and the second hinge body at an arbitrary angle,
When the first hinge body and the second hinge body rotate, the angle maintaining unit applies a rotational load to the first and second rotational gears.
The method of claim 1,
A first extension shaft that is a rotation center of the first rotation gear or a second extension shaft that is a rotation center of the second rotation gear is provided,
It includes an angle maintaining unit for stopping the rotation of the first hinge body and the second hinge body at an arbitrary angle,
The angle maintaining unit includes a first cam member and a second cam member facing each other,
The first cam member and the second cam member are provided on the first extension shaft or the second extension shaft,
A hinge device in which a coil spring for elastically pressing the first cam member to the second cam member is fitted to the first extension shaft or the second extension shaft.
The method of claim 1,
A first extension shaft that is a rotation center of the first rotation gear or a second extension shaft that is a rotation center of the second rotation gear is provided,
A first cam member and a second cam member facing each other are provided on the first extension shaft or the second extension shaft,
When the first and second extension shafts rotate, the first cam member is in a fixed state, and the second cam member rotates simultaneously with the rotation of the first and second extension shafts, and the second cam member Is a hinge device that is moved in the axial direction of the first extension shaft and the second extension shaft.
The method of claim 10,
The second cam member has a coupling hole through which the first extension shaft or the second extension shaft is coupled,
A cam flat surface in which a part of the coupling hole is flattened is provided,
A flat cut-out surface obtained by cutting a part of the first extension shaft or the second extension shaft is provided,
The cam flat surface and the flat cut surface face each other,
The second cam member is a hinge device that is slidable along the first extension shaft or the second extension shaft while being restricted by rotation of the first extension shaft or the second extension shaft.
The method of claim 1,
A protrusion protruding a part of the first hinge body or the second hinge body is provided,
When the first hinge body and the second hinge body rotate, a stopper rod that meets and stops with the protrusion is provided.
The method of claim 1,
When the first hinge body and the second hinge body are 180 degrees flat, they are spaced apart from each other at intervals,
A support member rotatably supporting the even number of gears is provided between the first hinge body and the second hinge body,
A receiving groove is formed in the support member,
A hinge device in which a portion of the flexible display panel is accommodated in the receiving groove when the first hinge body and the second hinge body are folded.
delete delete delete delete A first hinge body and a second hinge body to which the flexible display panel is coupled;
A hinge unit in which the first hinge body and the second hinge body are rotatably connected to each other; Including,
The hinge unit includes a first hinge body having a first actual shaft gear, and a second hinge body having a second actual shaft gear,
The first hinge body and the second hinge body form a symmetrical structure with each other,
Even number of gears are inserted between the first real shaft gear and the second real shaft gear,
The even number of gears includes a first rotation gear and a second rotation gear meshing with each other,
The first rotation gear meshes with the first actual shaft gear,
The second rotation gear is meshed with the second actual shaft gear,
The first rotation gear and the second rotation gear are formed with teeth over the entire circumference,
A first tooth portion formed only on a portion of the circumference of the first actual shaft gear and a second tooth portion having teeth formed only on a portion of the circumference of the second actual shaft gear are provided,
The first tooth portion is engaged with the first rotation gear,
The second toothed portion is a foldable display device that meshes with the second rotation gear.

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