KR102397403B1 - Foldable Display Device - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a hinge device capable of correcting the extension length of an image portion of a foldable display. A foldable display hinge device according to an embodiment includes: a first body and a second body formed in a plate shape of the same shape and arranged symmetrically; an image unit attached to the first body and the second body to form a bent arc-shaped part when folded or unfolded; The first and second main shafts coupled to each of the first and second bodies are formed, and a hinge device connected to rotate within the range of the unfolded state lying on the same plane and the folded state overlapping each other; including, the hinge device, and an interlocking guide for guiding the first and second bodies to move in the lateral direction during the folding operation of the image unit.

Description

Hinge device capable of correcting the stretch length of the image portion of a foldable display {Foldable Display Device}

The disclosed subject matter relates to a foldable display device, and more particularly, a first body and a second body of an electronic device having a foldable display are rotatably connected, and a rotation angle between the first and second bodies can be smoothly set. It relates to a hinge device capable of correcting the expansion/contraction length of the image portion of the foldable display.

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the material described in this section is not prior art to the claims of this application, and inclusion in this section is not an admission that it is prior art.

Industrial demand for portable electronic devices, including portable terminals, is increasing year by year. Accordingly, portable electronic devices having various forms and functions meeting the needs of consumers have been introduced.

A typical portable terminal such as a mobile phone is equipped with a video unit that displays images or pictures, and there are also portable terminals with an added function for watching TV or visually obtaining various information using the wired/wireless Internet through such a video unit. there is.

In addition, the portable terminal is being developed in various forms according to the needs and functional characteristics of consumers, and is being developed in various ways such as a folding type, a slide type, a bar type, and the like.

Herein, the clamshell terminal refers to a terminal in which two bodies are hinged to each other and unfolded in order to expand the available immunity, and is continuously developed due to the superiority of the structural features.

In particular, in recent years, as thin-film liquid crystal technology has been developed and other components have been made miniaturized, most portable terminals have been slimmed down overall, and the demand for them is increasing day by day.

However, since the appearance of the conventional mobile terminals has been developed based on the appearance more suitable for performing communication functions such as voice calls and message transmission, there is a disadvantage in that it is somewhat inconvenient to use multimedia services, for example, a general mobile terminal Since the display device is set to be long in the vertical direction, it is inconvenient to watch digital multimedia broadcasting or video files.

In order to solve this problem, Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0909713, as a registered patent of the present applicant, discloses "a hinge device for a mobile terminal", and an exemplary embodiment of the invention improves the above problems. To this end, a hinge device for a portable terminal is disclosed that enables the cover of the portable terminal to be rotated at a reference open angle and 360 degrees in the vertical direction while promoting structural stability of the entire device.

According to this Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0909713, it is possible to improve the convenience of use, and there is a great advantage that can satisfy the desire of consumers who want to utilize the display unit of the mobile terminal in a relatively wide range. However, there is room for improvement, and it is necessary to develop a new type of hinge device and an electronic device using it.

For example, in order to satisfy the needs of consumers who prefer a large display screen despite the small size of the electronic device, liquid crystal screens are formed on both hinge-rotating bodies, and when the electronic device is unfolded, the two liquid crystal screens are combined into one There is a need to provide an electronic device of a type that forms a large screen of

Meanwhile, in such a foldable display, since the image part is not folded like paper and an arc-shaped bent part having a predetermined radius is inevitably left, it is necessary to minimize the arc-shaped bent part so that both bodies do not lift when folded.

The disclosed content may provide a hinge that prevents deformation and damage of the display by correcting a variable length deviation of the flexible display during folding and unfolding by arranging a hinge structure in an area where the flexible display is folded.

The object of the embodiment, the first body and the second body is formed in a plate shape of the same shape and arranged symmetrically; an image unit attached to the first body and the second body to form a bent arc-shaped part when folded or unfolded; The first and second main shafts coupled to each of the first and second bodies are formed, and a hinge device connected to rotate within the range of the unfolded state lying on the same plane and the folded state overlapping each other; including, the hinge device, and an interlocking guide for guiding the first and second bodies to move laterally during the folding operation of the image unit. A plurality of link connectors moved in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of links that are hinged to the plurality of link connectors and rotated are hinge-coupled to both sides, and include first and second connecting plates respectively attached to the first and second bodies, , When the opening operation of the first and second bodies, the first and second connecting plates move in a direction perpendicular to the first and second main axes, respectively, and a plurality of links are moved so that the distance between the first and second bodies is widened by moving close to each other. It can be achieved by a hinge device capable of correcting the stretch and contraction length of the image portion of the foldable display.

According to the disclosed embodiment, it is possible to provide a foldable hinge device that prevents deformation and damage of the display by correcting a variable length deviation of the flexible display during folding and unfolding by arranging a hinge structure in an area where the flexible display is folded there is

1 is an exploded perspective view showing a foldable display device according to an embodiment;
2 is a perspective view of an unfolded state of a 'hinge device' in the foldable display device according to the embodiment;
3 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a part in FIG. 2;
4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a 'hinge device' is horizontally unfolded in the foldable display device according to the embodiment;
5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the 'hinge device' is unfolded by 45° in the foldable display device according to the embodiment;
6 is a perspective view of a state in which the 'hinge device' is folded 90 degrees in the foldable display device according to the embodiment;
7 is a perspective view showing the 'hinge device' in FIG. 6;

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The embodiments to be described below are intended to describe in detail enough to be easily implemented by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, thereby limiting the technical spirit and scope of the present invention. doesn't mean

In addition, the size or shape of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation, and terms specifically defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of the present invention may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. It should be noted that definitions of these terms should be made based on the content throughout this specification.

Among the accompanying drawings, FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a foldable display device according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an unfolded state of a 'hinge device' in the foldable display device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is the above-mentioned FIG. 2 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the 'hinge device' is horizontally unfolded in the foldable display device according to the embodiment. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the 'hinge device' is unfolded by 45° in the foldable display device according to the embodiment, and FIG. , FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the 'hinge device' in FIG. 6 .

A foldable display device according to an embodiment includes: a first body (P1) and a second body (P2) formed in a plate shape of the same shape and arranged symmetrically; The first body (P1) and the second body (P2) attached to the image portion (P3) to be folded or unfolded; A hinge device (A) coupled to connect the first body (P1) and the second body (P2) so as to rotate within the range of the unfolded state lying on the same plane and the folded state overlapping each other; including, a hinge The device (A) includes an interlocking guide (8) for guiding the first and second bodies to move in the lateral direction during the folding operation of the image unit.

The first body P1 and the second body P2 are each made of a rectangular plate having the same shape and size, and have an area corresponding to half the area of the image portion P3 .

Slide grooves P10 and P20 to which the first and second brackets 2a and 2b are slidably coupled are formed in the first body P1 and the second body P2, respectively.

Preferably, slide protrusions P13 and P23 are formed in the slide grooves P10 and P20, and the rail grooves 20a and 20b are fitted in the first and second brackets 2a and 2b, respectively, so that the slide protrusions P13 and P23 are fitted. ) is formed.

Bosses 21a and 21b having through holes are formed on one side of each of the first and second brackets 2a and 2b, and rail grooves 20a and 20b having a predetermined length are formed on the other side.

As shown in Fig. 4, each of the first and second main shafts 4a and 4b has a rod shape having the same length and diameter and is formed to have the same length as the long sides of the first and second bodies P1 and P2, The first and second brackets 2a, 2b are coupled through the bosses 21a and 21b formed at one end of each, and pins 41a and 41b are formed to protrude from the outer circumferential surface and are arranged in parallel.

The hinge device (A) includes a first bracket (2a) coupled to the first body (P1), and a second bracket (2b) coupled to the second body (P2); first and second main shafts 4a and 4b which are coupled through one end of each of the first and second brackets 2a and 2b and arranged in parallel; Including; is composed

The rotation induction part 6 is fitted to the outer surfaces of the first and second main shafts 4a and 4b, respectively, and the first and second tubes 61 and 62 having guide grooves 63 formed in an oblique direction, and the first and second A connecting rod 64 connected across one end of the tube body 61 and 62, and a bracket 65 connecting the middle portion of the first and second tube bodies 61 and 62 and having a fastening hole 650 do.

The first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b are respectively protruded from the first and second main shafts 4a and 4b.

Each of the first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b of the first and second main shafts 4a and 4b are coupled to the guide grooves 63 of the first and second tubes 61 and 62, respectively, and the first and second main shaft pins 41a and 41b are coupled to the respective guide grooves 63 of the first and second main shafts 4a and 4b. It guides the rotation of the shafts 4a and 4b.

As for the guide groove 63, two guide grooves 63 are formed in an oblique direction for each of the first and second tubular bodies 61 and 62, respectively, and the two guide grooves 63 are formed in opposite directions to approximately 'X'. arranged in the shape of a ruler.

The first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b are fitted into the two guide grooves 63, respectively, so that when the main shafts 4a and 4b rotate, the first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b are inserted into the guide grooves 63. moving along the slope.

In this way, the first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b move along the guide groove 63 to accurately guide the rotational operation of the main shafts 4a and 4b, and the rotation guide unit 6 moves the main shafts 4a and 4b. It will guide you to move in a straight line.

When the rotation induction part 6 moves in a straight line, the movable part 8 hinged thereto by a link 83 rotates at a horizontal, vertical or inclined angle within an angle of 90° due to the inclination angle of the guide groove 63. As a result, the unfolding or folding operation or the inclinedly unfolding operation of the first and second brackets 2a and 2b is induced.

The interlocking guide 8 is fitted on the outer surface of the first main shaft 4a and is connected to the rotation induction part 6 with a first link connector 81 and the second main shaft 4b on the outer surface. A second link connector 82 fitted to the fitting, first and second links 83a and 83b hinged to the first and second link connectors 81 and 82, respectively, and first and second links 83a and 83b It is formed in the first body (P1) is composed of the first and second connection plates (84, 85) attached to.

During the opening operation of the first and second bodies P1 and P2, the first and second connecting plates 84 and 85 move in a direction perpendicular to the first and second main shafts 4a and 4b, respectively, and the plurality of first, The two links 83a and 83b are moved to be close to each other so that the gap between the first and second bodies P1 and P2 is widened, so that it is possible to correct the extension length of the image portion of the foldable display.

The first and second connecting plates 84 and 85 are coupled to the first and second bodies P1 and P2, respectively.

The first and second connecting plates 84 and 85 are respectively connected to the first and second links 83a and 83b on both sides thereof, and the links 83 are first and second integrally coupled to the rotation induction unit 6 . By being hinge-connected to the link connectors 81 and 82, the first and second links 83a and 83b on both sides are rotated to operate close to or spaced apart from the first and second link connectors 81 and 82 on both sides.

The close operation between the first and second link connectors 81 and 82 on both sides is a state in which the first and second bodies P1 and P2 are folded, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 .

Conversely, in the separation operation between the first and second link connectors 81 and 82, the first and second bodies P1 and P2 are unfolded as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , bosses 21a and 21b are formed at one end of the first and second brackets 2a and 2b, respectively, and first and second main shafts 4a and 4b are formed on the bosses 21a and 21b. This is fitted

A support 24 coupled to support the bosses 21a and 21b on both sides of the first and second brackets 2a and 2b is provided, and the first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b pass through one side of the support 24 . A flange 25 having a through hole to engage is formed.

6 and 7, when the first and second bodies P1 and P2 are folded, the first and second connecting plates 84 and 85 are brought close to each other and the first and second link connectors 81 and 82 are closed. are moved along the first and second main axes 4a and 4b so that they are close to each other.

The first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b are respectively fitted to the first and second tube bodies 61 and 62 of the rotation induction unit 6 .

Meanwhile, the first and second springs 52a and 52b are coupled to the first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b, respectively.

One end of the first and second springs 52a and 52b is in close contact with the flange 25 of the support 24 to which the first and second brackets 2a and 2b are coupled, and the other end is the second end of the gear connection part 5 1 is supported in close contact with the support plate (53).

The first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b pass through the flange 25 and are respectively fitted to the tubular bodies 61 and 62 of the rotation inducing part 6 .

On the other hand, the gear connection part 5 serves to correct the rotation angles of the first main shafts 4a and 4b and the second main shafts 4a and 4b to be the same as each other.

3, the gear connection part 5 is supported by the first and second springs 52a and 52b and includes a first support plate 53 coupled to the first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b, and a first The second support plate 56 coupled in parallel to the first support plate 53 and coupled to the first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b, and the first and second support plates 53 and 56 are interposed between the first and second shaft pins. It consists of first and second gears 54a and 54b respectively coupled to 41a and 41b, and a plurality of interlocking gears 55 that are toothedly coupled to the first and second gears 54a and 54b.

The first and second gears 54a and 54b are pinion gears having the same number of gears.

The plurality of interlocking gears 55 are pinion gears having a smaller number of teeth than the first and second gears 54a and 54b, and by being provided in an even number, the rotational driving of the first and second gears 54a and 54b is opposite to each other. It is possible to change the direction so that it can be executed as

Hereinafter, the operation of the present invention will be described.

[Unfold operation]

As shown in Figure 4, the first and second bodies (P1, P2) are deployed at 180 ° intervals,

When the first and second bodies (P1, P2) are unfolded at 180° intervals, the first and second bodies (P1, P2) are coupled to the slide grooves (P10, P20) and the first and second brackets (2a, 2b) In this state, it is moved while sliding, and the first and second brackets 2a and 2b rotate in opposite directions to become a horizontal state.

In addition, the first and second main shafts 4a and 4b to which the first and second brackets 2a and 2b are coupled are rotated together,

The first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b move within the guide grooves 63 of the first and second tubular bodies 61 and 62 and are positioned at approximately the ends of the guide grooves 63 .

In addition, the first and second gears 54a and 54b are rotated in the gear connection part 5, and a predetermined rotation angle (preferably 180°) may be maintained and fixed.

[Half-folded state]

As shown in FIG. 5 , when the first and second bodies P1 and P2 are folded at intervals of about 45°, the first and second bodies P1 and P2 move in the slide grooves P10 and P20. .

The first and second main shafts 4a and 4b rotate together, and the first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b are positioned in the middle of the guide groove 63 .

In addition, the first and second gears 54a and 54b of the gear connection unit 5 may rotate together by 45° to be fixed while maintaining the rotation angle.

[Folded state]

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , when the first and second bodies P1 and P2 are rotated and folded at intervals of about 90°, the first and second bodies P1 and P2 move into the slide grooves P10 and P20. ) and the first and second brackets (2a, 2b) are moved while sliding in the coupled state, and the first and second brackets (2a, 2b) are rotated in opposite directions, that is, to be almost vertical.

The first and second main shafts 4a and 4b to which the first and second brackets 2a and 2b are coupled are rotated together, and the first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b are connected to the first and second tube bodies 61, While moving within the guide groove 63 of 62), it is approximately placed in the middle portion of the guide groove 63.

In addition, the first and second gears 54a and 54b are rotated in the gear connection part 5, and a predetermined rotation angle (preferably 90°) may be maintained and fixed.

Although described with reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims. is self-evident

P1: first body P2: second body
P3 : Image part A : Hinge device
2a: 1st bracket, 2b: 2nd bracket
4a: 1st main axis 4b: 2nd main axis
6: rotation induction part 8: moving part
41a, 41b: pin 52a: first and second spring
52b: 2nd spring 61: 1st and 2nd tube body
62: second pipe 63: guide groove
81: first link connector 82: second link connector
83a: first link 83b: second link
84: first connecting plate 85: second connecting plate

Claims (5)

A first body (P1) and a second body (P2) formed in a plate shape and arranged symmetrically;
The first body (P1) and the second body (P2) attached to the image portion (P3) to be folded or unfolded;
A hinge device (A) coupled to connect the first body (P1) and the second body (P2) to unfold or fold the first body (P1) and the second body (P2); includes;
The hinge device (A) includes an interlocking guide (8) for guiding the first and second bodies (P1, P2) to move in the lateral direction during the folding operation of the image unit (P3);
The interlocking guide 8 is,
A first link connector 81 that is fitted to the outer surface of the first main shaft 4a and is connected to the rotation induction part 6, and
A second link connector 82 fitted to the outer surface of the second main shaft 4b, and first and second links 83a and 83b hinged to the first and second link connectors 81 and 82, respectively; It is formed on the first and second links (83a, 83b) and includes first and second connecting plates (84, 85) attached to the first body (P1),
During the opening operation of the first and second bodies P1 and P2, the first and second connecting plates 84 and 85 move in a direction perpendicular to the first and second main shafts 4a and 4b, respectively, and the plurality of first, The two links (83a, 83b) are moved so that the distance between the first and second bodies (P1, P2) is widened by moving, so that the stretch length of the image part of the display is corrected,
The hinge device (A) is
a first bracket (2a) coupled to the first body (P1) and a second bracket (2b) coupled to the second body (P2);
first and second main shafts (4a, 4b) which are coupled through one end of each of the first and second brackets (2a, 2b) and arranged in parallel;
The first and second main shafts (4a, 4b) are fitted respectively to the outer surfaces, and the first and second main shafts (4a, 4b) are rotated, the rotation induction part (6) guides to induce a linear motion; includes; and
The rotation induction part 6 is,
first and second tube bodies (61, 62) each fitted to the outer surfaces of the first and second main shafts (4a, 4b) and having guide grooves (63) formed in an oblique direction;
first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b formed on the first and second main shafts 4a and 4b, respectively;
a connecting rod (64) connected across one end of the first and second tubes (61, 62);
A bracket 65 connecting the middle portion of the first and second tubes 61 and 62 and having a fastening hole 650;
The first and second shaft pins (41a, 41b) are hinge device, characterized in that coupled to the guide groove (63) of each of the first and second tube bodies (61, 62). delete delete The method of claim 1,
first and second springs 52a and 52b respectively coupled to the first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b;
a support 24 to which the first and second brackets 2a and 2b are coupled;
Including a flange (25) formed on the support (24);
The first and second springs (52a, 52b) have one end each in close contact with the flange (25) of the support (24), and the other end of the first and second springs (52a, 52b) are respectively supported in close contact with the gear connection part (5). 5. The method of claim 4,
The gear connection part 5 is
a first support plate 53 supported on the first and second springs 52a and 52b and coupled to the first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b;
a second support plate 56 coupled in parallel to the first support plate 53 and coupled to the first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b;
first and second gears 54a and 54b interposed between the first and second support plates 53 and 56 and respectively coupled to the first and second shaft pins 41a and 41b;
a plurality of interlocking gears (55) geared to the first and second gears (54a, 54b);
Hinge device comprising a.

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