KR20200109722A - Hinge device in Foldable phone - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hinge device for a foldable phone. The hinge device for the foldable phone includes: a hinge case interposed between first and second main bodies having display units on front surfaces; a first shaft supported by the hinge case and serving as a rotation shaft of the first main body; a second shaft parallel to the first shaft and serving as a rotation shaft of the second main body; a locking shaft parallel to the first and second shafts and capable of reciprocating in a longitudinal direction; a carrier coupled with the locking shaft while being supported by the first and second shafts; a movable locking unit fixed to a carrier and positioned in the longitudinal direction of the first and second shafts according to the movement of the carrier; and a locking unit fixing means disposed corresponding to the movable locking unit, coupled with the movable locking unit in a state in which the first and second main bodies are fully unfolded, and separated from the movable locking unit to fold the first and second main bodies. The hinge device for the foldable phone according to the present invention made as described above implements a completely flat surface in a state in which the display unit is open, and can stably maintain a fully flat state even when an unintended external force is applied by a user. In addition, since the hinge device has press resistance and supports the display unit in a state of always facing the display unit, it is possible to prevent the display unit from being pressed and deformed during use.

Description

Hinge device in foldable phone

The present invention relates to a hinge device applied to a foldable phone, and more particularly, to a hinge device for a foldable phone that induces an accurate opening/closing operation, implements a perfectly flat surface in an open state, and has pressure resistance.

Smartphones used by almost everyone have a wide variety of functions, such as cameras, navigation, video players, calculators, game consoles, and portable lighting devices, as well as telephone and wireless Internet functions. The additional functions of these smartphones are continuously developing in proportion to the high performance of the machine itself and the development of application programs.

The smartphone has a structure in which a touch screen as an input/output means is disposed on the front side. The touch screen is a display surface capable of inputting or outputting various types of information, and as more people watch movies or DMB, a type of smart phone equipped with a large screen is preferred. However, since a smartphone is a portable device to the last, portability cannot be considered when designing a smartphone.

As a result, there is a demand for a smart phone with a wide screen and a good portability. Recently, a so-called foldable phone has been developed and announced in order to meet this demand. The foldable phone has a structure in which the display screen itself can be opened or folded. For example, when viewing a video, it can be opened and viewed on a large screen, and when moving, it can be folded and placed in a pocket.

Such a foldable phone includes a body that is connected to a hinge device and can be opened or folded, and a display unit fixed to the body.

One of the important things in the hinge device is to accurately induce the rotational motion of the body. For example, when the body is open, the display unit is accurately in a completely flat state, and the completely flat state is firmly maintained.

Another important aspect of the hinge device is to stably support the display unit. In the display unit, a portion supported by the body takes a structurally solid state, but a portion in which the hinge is located under the display cannot maintain a state in close contact with the hinge, so safety may be relatively poor.

As such, the foldable phone needs a hinge device having a structure capable of implementing a stable and accurate operation due to its opening and closing structure.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2010-0107116 (Swivel hinge device for mobile phones) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-0722817 (Hinge for portable terminal) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2008-0074707 (Hinge mechanism and portable terminal)

The present invention implements a perfectly flat surface in an open state of the display unit, and can stably maintain a fully flat state even when an unintended external force is applied by a user, and has a pressing resistance to prevent the display unit from being pressed and deformed. It is an object to provide a hinge device for a foldable phone.

The hinge device for a foldable phone of the present invention as a means of solving the problems for achieving the above object has a display unit on its front side and is installed between a first body and a second body arranged in parallel with each other, and the first and second bodies A hinge case interposed between the first and second main bodies and having an accommodation space for supporting them to be folded or unfolded; A first shaft that is supported so as to be axially rotatable in the receiving space and is fixed to the first body to serve as a rotation axis of the first body; A second shaft supported so as to be axially rotatable in the receiving space, parallel to the first shaft, and fixed to the second body to serve as a rotation axis of the second body; A locking shaft parallel to the first and second shafts, one end of which is extended to the outside of the hinge case and capable of reciprocating in a longitudinal direction; A carrier supported by the first and second shafts, slidable along the longitudinal directions of the first and second shafts, and coupled to the locking shaft; A movable locking part that is fixed to the carrier and is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the first and second shafts according to the movement of the carrier; It is disposed corresponding to the movable locking unit, and includes a locking unit fixing means that is coupled to the movable locking unit in a state where the first and second bodies are fully unfolded, and separated from the movable locking unit to fold the first and second bodies.

In addition, the hinge case extends in the longitudinal direction and includes a plurality of partition plates in the receiving space, and between the partition plate and the carrier, elastic force is provided to the carrier to elastically support the movable locking part toward the locking part fixing means. A spring is provided.

In addition, the first shaft and the second shaft are supported by the diaphragm, and a torque transmission unit for transmitting the rotational force of the first shaft to the second shaft and transmitting the rotational force of the second shaft to the first shaft is provided at both ends thereof. .

In addition, fitting grooves are formed on outer peripheral surfaces of both ends of the first and second shafts, respectively, and the torque transmission unit; As a belt-shaped member having a certain width, one end is fixed to the fitting groove of the first shaft, the other end is fitted into the fitting groove of the second shaft, and the first and second shafts are axially rotated in opposite directions. Includes a sash.

In addition, an installation space for accommodating the hinge case is provided between the first body and the second body, and the locking part fixing means includes; It takes the form of a square plate having a certain thickness, and both ends in the width direction are fixed to the first and second bodies, and the fixing sheet bent when folded and unfolded when the first and second bodies are folded, and the bottom surface of the fixing sheet It is formed in, and a fixed uneven plate having a plurality of anti-folding protrusions having a predetermined interval in the width direction of the fixed sheet, the movable locking portion; A reciprocating sheet located between the carrier and the fixed uneven plate and coupled with the carrier in a state parallel to the fixed sheet, and formed on the upper surface of the reciprocating sheet, and the first and second bodies are fully unfolded. It includes a reciprocating concave-convex plate having a plurality of insertion protrusions fitted between the folding prevention protrusions by the action of the spring.

In addition, each of the anti-folding protrusions are linear protrusions extending along the extending direction of the locking shaft, and the entire fixing protrusion group is formed at a plurality of locations of the fixing sheet, but relative to each other. The insertion protrusions are spaced apart at regular intervals to provide a retreat space therebetween, and the insertion protrusions are arranged in the width direction of the reciprocating sheet, and the entire insertion protrusion group is formed in the retraction space. And, each insertion protrusion forming the insertion protrusion group is inserted between the folding prevention protrusions of the fixing protrusion group by the action of the spring.

In addition, a driven slit extending in the moving direction of the reciprocating sheet is formed through the central portion of the reciprocating sheet, and a guide wall inserted into the driven slit is further provided in the hinge case to guide the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating uneven plate.

In addition, to prevent axial rotation of the first and second shafts when the first and second bodies are fully unfolded, a stopper having a fixing protrusion formed on its outer circumferential surface is further provided at the other end of the locking shaft. , In the first shaft or the second shaft, a fixing protrusion groove into which the fixing protrusion is inserted is formed, and the fixing protrusion in a state inserted into the fixing protrusion groove is, when pressing and moving one end of the locking shaft to the inside of the hinge case. It is separated from the fixing protrusion groove.

In addition, another type of hinge device for a foldable phone of the present invention as a means of solving the problem for achieving the above object is installed between the first body and the second body, which have a display unit on the front side and are arranged in parallel with each other. , A hinge case that supports the first and second bodies to be folded or unfolded, and is interposed between the first and second bodies and has an accommodation space; A first shaft that is supported so as to be axially rotatable in the receiving space and is fixed to the first body to serve as a rotation axis of the first body; A second shaft supported so as to be axially rotatable in the receiving space, parallel to the first shaft, and fixed to the second body to serve as a rotation axis of the second body; A transfer guide shaft which is arranged in parallel with the first and second shafts in the hinge case, has a helical groove formed on its outer circumferential surface, and axially rotates by receiving a rotation torque from the first shaft; A carrier supported by the first and second shafts so as to be slidably moved, passing the transfer guide shaft therein, but in contact with the spiral groove, and linearly moving along the longitudinal direction of the transfer guide shaft according to the axial rotation of the transfer guide shaft Wow; A movable locking unit fixed to the carrier and moving linearly with the carrier; Both ends thereof in the width direction are fixed to the first body and the second body, and when the first and second bodies are completely open, a locking part fixing means is combined with the movable locking part to prevent folding.

In addition, between the first shaft and the movement induction shaft, a transmission means for transmitting the rotational force of the first shaft to the movement induction shaft is further provided, the transmission means; It has a drive gear fixed to both ends of the first shaft, and a driven gear provided at both ends of the transfer induction shaft and meshing with the drive gear.

Further, a torque transmission unit for transmitting the rotational force of the first shaft to the second shaft and transmitting the rotational force of the second shaft to the first shaft is provided at both ends of the first and second shafts.

In addition, fitting grooves are formed on outer peripheral surfaces of both ends of the first and second shafts, respectively, and the torque transmission unit; As a belt-shaped member having a certain width, one end is fixed to the fitting groove of the first shaft, the other end is fitted into the fitting groove of the second shaft, and the first and second shafts are axially rotated in opposite directions. Includes a sash.

In addition, an installation space for accommodating the hinge case is provided between the first body and the second body, and the locking part fixing means includes; It takes the form of a square plate having a certain thickness, and both ends in the width direction are fixed to the first and second bodies, bent when the first and second bodies are folded, and a fixing sheet that is unfolded when unfolding, and the fixing sheet It is formed on the bottom surface, a fixed uneven plate having a plurality of fixing protrusions having a predetermined interval in the width direction of the fixing sheet, the movable locking part; A reciprocating sheet having a reciprocating sheet located between the carrier and the fixed uneven plate and coupled to the carrier, and a plurality of insertion protrusions formed on the reciprocating sheet and fitted between the fixing protrusions when the first and second bodies are fully unfolded. It is a latch.

In addition, the fixing protrusions are formed at regular intervals in the width direction of the fixing sheet, and the entire fixing protrusion group is formed in a plurality of fixing sheets, and each fixing protrusion group is constant. It is spaced apart from each other to form a retreat space therebetween, and the reciprocating latch is installed in the retreat space and is inserted into the fixed protrusion group side or separated from the fixed protrusion group when the transfer guide shaft rotates axially.

The hinge device for a foldable phone of the present invention made as described above implements a perfectly flat surface while the display unit is open, and can stably maintain the fully flat state even when an unintended external force is applied by the user.

In addition, since it has press resistance and supports the display unit in a state of constant interview with the display unit, it is possible to prevent deformation of the display unit from being pressed during use.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a foldable phone to which a hinge device for a foldable phone according to the present invention is applied.
2 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable phone to which a hinge device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.
3 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable phone to which a hinge device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.
4 is a plan view of a foldable phone to which a hinge device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.
5 is a perspective view separately showing the hinge body shown in FIG. 4.
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 5.
7 to 11 are views for explaining the operation of the hinge device shown in FIG. 2.
12 and 13 are schematic exploded perspective views of a foldable phone to which a hinge device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied.
14A, 14B and 15A, 15B are views for explaining the operation of the hinge device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Basically, the hinge device of the present invention is optimally designed for use as a hinge device of a recently announced foldable phone, and has a structure that implements an accurate opening and closing operation of a foldable phone and resistance to pressing. Press resistance refers to the property of preventing the display from being slightly deformed when the user presses the display. This will be described later.

Such a hinge device can be composed of two types, and one of the basic configurations is installed between the first body and the second body, which has a display unit on its front side and is arranged parallel to each other, and the first and second bodies A hinge case interposed between the first and second main bodies and having an accommodation space for supporting them to be folded or unfolded; A first shaft that is supported so as to be axially rotatable in the receiving space and is fixed to the first body to serve as a rotation axis of the first body; A second shaft supported so as to be axially rotatable in the receiving space, parallel to the first shaft, and fixed to the second body to serve as a rotation axis of the second body; A locking shaft parallel to the first and second shafts, one end of which is extended to the outside of the hinge case and capable of reciprocating in a longitudinal direction; A carrier supported by the first and second shafts, slidable along the longitudinal directions of the first and second shafts, and coupled to the locking shaft; A movable locking unit that is fixed to the carrier and is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the first and second shafts according to the movement of the carrier; It is disposed corresponding to the movable locking unit, and includes a locking unit fixing means that is coupled to the movable locking unit in a state where the first and second bodies are fully unfolded, and separated from the movable locking unit to fold the first and second bodies.

The basic configuration of another type of hinge device is to support the first and second bodies to be folded or unfolded by being installed between the first and second bodies having a display unit on the front side and arranged in parallel with each other. A hinge case interposed between the first and second bodies and having an accommodation space; A first shaft that is supported so as to be axially rotatable in the receiving space and is fixed to the first body to serve as a rotation axis of the first body; A second shaft supported so as to be axially rotatable in the receiving space, parallel to the first shaft, and fixed to the second body to serve as a rotation axis of the second body; A transfer guide shaft which is arranged in parallel with the first and second shafts in the hinge case, has a helical groove formed on its outer circumferential surface, and axially rotates by receiving a rotation torque from the first shaft; A carrier supported by the first and second shafts so as to be slidably moved, passing the transfer guide shaft therein, but in contact with the spiral groove, and linearly moving along the longitudinal direction of the transfer guide shaft according to the axial rotation of the transfer guide shaft Wow; A movable locking unit fixed to the carrier and moving linearly with the carrier; Both ends thereof in the width direction are fixed to the first body and the second body, and when the first and second bodies are completely open, the locking part fixing means is combined with the movable locking part to prevent folding.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a foldable phone to which a hinge device for a foldable phone according to the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a view showing a simple exploded portion of the hinge device of the foldable phone. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the foldable phone, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the foldable phone to which the hinge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. In addition, FIG. 5 is a perspective view separately showing the hinge body shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 5.

As shown, the foldable phone 10 is a hinge device 20 installed between the first and second bodies 12 and 14 that are overlapping or unfolded in correspondence with each other, and the first and second bodies 12 and 14 Has the basic structure of.

The first and second bodies 12 and 14 take the shape of a square plate having a predetermined thickness, and a general electronic component or a control circuit (not shown) is built into the inside thereof. These first and second bodies 12 and 14 are located on opposite sides with the hinge device 20 interposed therebetween, as shown in FIG. 2, and are attached to the hinge device 20 through the first and second shafts 23 and 24. Linked.

The first shaft 23 is a rotating shaft connecting the first body 12 to the hinge device 20. The first body 12 rotates in a 90 degree angular range while being supported by the first shaft 23. Likewise, the second shaft 24 is a rotation shaft that links the second body 14 to the hinge device 20. The second body 14 rotates in a 90 degree angle range while being supported by the second shaft 24. As a result, the first and second bodies 12 and 14 are rotatably linked to the hinge device 20, overlapping and contacting each other or unfolding to implement a single plane.

In addition, a foldable display 11 is covered on the front surfaces of the first and second bodies 12 and 14 and the upper surface of the hinge device 20. It goes without saying that the display unit 11 is connected to circuits inside the first and second bodies 12 and 14. Such a display unit covers the first and second bodies 12 and 14 as well as the hinge device 20.

In addition, as shown in Fig. 2, an installation space 15 is provided between the first and second bodies 12 and 14. The installation space 15 is a space in which the hinge device 20 is mounted. The hinge device 20 is located in the installation space 15 and connects the first and second bodies 12 and 14 rotatably.

On the other hand, the hinge device 20 includes a hinge body 21, a movable locking portion, and a locking portion fixing means. The hinge body 21 has the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the movable locking portion may be implemented as a reciprocating uneven plate 31, and the locking portion fixing means may be implemented as a fixed uneven plate 33. The reciprocating concave-convex plate 31 is fixed to the hinge body 21 and reciprocates in the direction of the arrow a, and the fixed concave-convex plate 33 is fixedly supported at both ends of the first and second bodies 12 and 14 in the width direction.

First, the hinge body 21 is composed of a hinge case 22, a first shaft 23, a second shaft 24, a locking shaft 25, and a carrier 27.

The hinge case 22 is a member extending straight in the longitudinal direction and has a receiving space 22a open to the installation space 15. A plurality of partition plates 22b and guide walls 22c are provided inside the accommodation space 22a.

The diaphragm 22b is a plate-like member formed at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the hinge case 22 and supports the first and second shafts 23 and 24 as shown in FIG. 5. The first and second shafts 23 and 24 can be axially rotated while being supported by the diaphragm 22b. The guide wall 22c is installed between each partition plate 22b and is a member extending in the longitudinal direction of the hinge case 22 and is fitted into the driven slit 31d of the reciprocating concave-convex plate 31.

The driven slit 31d is relatively longer by L than the guide wall 22c, as shown in FIG. 7. Since the guide wall 22c is fixed, the reciprocating uneven plate 31 can reciprocate only as much as the stroke distance L while being supported by the guide wall 22c.

The first and second shafts 23 and 24 are parallel to each other, and both ends thereof are fixed to the first body 12 and the second body 14 while spanning the bearing groove 22d. As mentioned above, the first shaft 23 serves as a rotation shaft of the first body 12, and the second shaft 24 serves as a rotation shaft of the second body 14.

In particular, the axial rotation directions of the first and second shafts 23 and 24 are opposite and the axial rotation angle is the same. For example, if the first shaft 23 rotates 30 degrees in the clockwise direction, the second shaft 24 rotates 30 degrees in the counterclockwise direction. In order to interlock the first and second shafts 23 and 24 in this way, tension bands 26 are installed at both ends of the first and second shafts 23 and 24.

The tension band 26 is flexible as a torque transmission unit that transmits the rotational force of the first shaft 23 to the second shaft 24 and the rotational force of the second shaft 24 to the first shaft 23 As a member, it has a certain thickness and width.

10 shows the tension band 26 in detail. First, in order to apply the tension band 26, tension band engaging portions 23a and 24a are provided at both ends of the first and second shafts 23 and 24. Each tension band engaging portion (23a, 24a) takes the form of a disk having a constant diameter and has fitting grooves (23c, 24c) on the outer circumferential surface.

The tension band 26 is a metal material having a predetermined width, thickness, and length, and one end is coupled to the fitting groove 23c of the first shaft 23, and the other end is the fitting groove of the second shaft 24. 24c). The tension band 26 always maintains a taut state.

In particular, the first shaft 23 and the second shaft 24 are in contact with the opposite surface of the tension band (26). For example, the upper surface of the tension band 26 is in close contact with the first shaft 23, and the lower surface is in contact with the second shaft 24. The reason for having this structure is to reverse the axial rotation directions of the first and second shafts 23 and 24.

For example, when the first shaft 23 rotates in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 10B, the tension band 26 pulls the second shaft 24 and rotates the second shaft 24 in the direction of arrow c. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11B, when rotating the second shaft 24 in the direction of the arrow d, the tension band 26 pulls the first shaft 23 and rotates the shaft in the direction of the arrow e. Eventually, when the first and second bodies 12 and 14 are opened or closed, the first and second bodies 12 and 14 move simultaneously and at the same rotational speed.

In addition, a fixing protrusion groove (24d) is further formed in the tension band engaging portion (24a) of the second shaft (24). The fixing protrusion groove 24d is a groove into which the fixing protrusion 25b of the stopper 25a is fitted. For example, the second shaft 24 rotates so that the fixing protrusion groove 24d is fixed by itself by receiving the fixing protrusion 25b when it reaches the position of the waiting, fixing protrusion 25b. The stopper 25a maintains an elastically biased state toward the tension band engaging portion 24a by the action of the spring 28.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 to 6, it can be seen that a plurality of carriers 27 are provided inside the hinge case 22. The carrier 27 is a member that is spaced apart from one side of each partition plate 22b, and passes the first and second shafts 23 and 24 therethrough. The carrier 27 is slidable while being supported by the first and second shafts 23 and 24. This carrier (27) is provided with a reciprocating concave-convex plate (31) thereon. The reciprocating uneven plate 31 is fixed to the carrier 27 and moves together.

In addition, a locking shaft 25 is installed under the center of the first and second shafts 23 and 24. The locking shaft 25 extends in parallel with the first and second shafts 23 and 24, one end protrudes to the outside of the hinge case 22, and has the stopper (25a in FIG. 10A) at the other end. The stopper 25a is a member fixed to the other end of the locking shaft 25 and has a fixing protrusion 25b on one side thereof as mentioned above.

The locking shaft 25 passes through the carrier 27 but is fixed to the carrier 27. That is, the locking shaft 25 and the carrier 27 form one body and move simultaneously. In other words, the position is adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the first and second shafts 23 and 24 while being supported by the first and second shafts 23 and 24.

In addition, a spring 28 is installed between each carrier 27 and the diaphragm 22b. The spring 28 elastically supports the carrier 27 in the direction of the arrow p in FIG. 5 while being fitted to the locking shaft 25. As mentioned above, since the carrier 27, the locking shaft 25 and the reciprocating concave-convex plate 31 form one body, the locking shaft 25 is elastically biased in the direction of the arrow p. The fixing protrusion 25b is elastically pressed toward the tension band engaging portion 24a. Of course, when one end of the locking shaft 25 is pushed in the direction of the arrow q, the fixing protrusion 25b is opened from the tension band engaging portion 24a.

On the other hand, the reciprocating concave-convex plate 31, which is an exemplary embodiment of the movable locking part, includes a square reciprocating sheet 31a, a plurality of insertion protrusions 31b, and a support end 31c. The reciprocating sheet 31a, the insertion protrusion 31b, and the support end 31c are integrally formed.

The reciprocating sheet (31a) is located horizontally between the carrier (27) and the fixed uneven plate (33), while maintaining parallel to the fixing sheet (33a), it moves linearly in the direction of arrow a in FIG. It is a castle square. The reciprocating sheet 31a is bent when the first body 12 and the second body 14 are folded to be in the state of FIG. 9, and when unfolded, the reciprocating sheet 31a is in a completely flat state.

The support end 31c is a thick portion formed at both ends in the width direction of the reciprocating sheet 31a, and is sandwiched between the first body 12 and the second body 14 and supported. The support end 31c is supported by the first and second bodies 12 and 14 to receive the folding and unfolding force of the first and second bodies 12 and 14. The reciprocating sheet 31a is supported by the first and second bodies 12 and 14 through the support end 31c and is capable of linear motion in the direction of the arrow a.

The insertion protrusion 31b is a linear protrusion formed on the upper surface of the reciprocating sheet 31a. A plurality of these insertion protrusions 31b are arranged in the width direction of the reciprocating sheet 31a at regular intervals to form one insertion protrusion group 31e as a whole. Four insertion protrusion groups 31e are applied to the reciprocating sheet 31a shown in FIG. 2. Each insertion protrusion group 31e is spaced apart from each other by a certain distance, and is located in the retreat space portion 33d of the fixed uneven plate 33 (in a state in which the fixed uneven plate 33 and the reciprocating uneven plate 31 are in contact). .

The fixed concave-convex plate 33 is a rectangular plate-shaped member covering the reciprocating concave-convex plate 31, and both ends thereof in the width direction are fixed to the first main body 12 and the second main body 14. The fixing method of the fixing uneven plate 33 to the first and second bodies 12 and 14 may employ various methods such as an adhesive method or a fitting method.

In particular, as shown in Fig. 3, the upper surface of the fixed uneven plate 33 has the same height as the upper surfaces of the first and second bodies 12 and 14, so there is no step. Accordingly, the display portions disposed on the upper surfaces of the first and second bodies 12 and 14 and the hinge device 20 are in a completely flat state with the first and second bodies 12 and 14 completely open.

In addition, both ends in the width direction of the fixed uneven plate 33 and the reciprocating uneven plate 31 are supported by the first and second bodies 12 and 14, and the central portion is supported by the carrier 27, and the fixed uneven plate 33 Since a number of anti-folding protrusions 33b (such as a load-bearing horizontal support beam forming a building frame) are formed, the hinge device 20 itself has resistance to pressing. In other words, it is not physically deformed by the load applied in the direction of the arrow F. Since a part of the display unit is also located on the upper surface of the hinge device 20, the display unit always maintains a stable flat state even if a load is applied from the outside.

The fixed uneven plate 33 is composed of a square fixing sheet 33a having a predetermined thickness and a plurality of folding preventing protrusions 33b integrally formed on the bottom surface of the fixing sheet 33a. The anti-folding protrusions 33b are linear protrusions extending in the longitudinal direction of the locking shaft 25 and are spaced at regular intervals so that the insertion protrusions 31b can be inserted between the respective anti-folding protrusions 33b.

A plurality of anti-folding protrusions 33b form a fixed protrusion group 33c at regular intervals in the width direction of the fixing sheet 33a. Four fixing protrusion groups 33c are applied to the fixing sheet 33a, and each fixing protrusion group 33c is spaced apart at a predetermined interval and provides a retreat space 33d therebetween. As described above, the insertion protrusion group 31e is located in the retreat space 33d.

7 to 11 are views for explaining the operation of the hinge device according to the first embodiment.

7 and 10A are views showing a state in which the first body 12 and the second body 14 are completely open. As shown, each insertion protrusion 31b of the reciprocating concave-convex plate 31 moves in the direction of arrow k by the action of the spring 28, and is sandwiched between the respective folding prevention protrusions 33b. At this time, the fixing protrusion 25b is inserted into the fixing protrusion groove 24d.

Since the second shaft 24 is fixed, it goes without saying that the first and second bodies 12 and 14 cannot be folded. In addition, even if the stopper 25a is not present, folding of the first and second bodies 12 and 14 is impossible as long as the folding prevention protrusion 33b is fitted between the insertion protrusions 31b. In order to fold the first and second bodies 12 and 14, the reciprocating uneven plate 31 and the fixed uneven plate 33 must be able to be retracted upward as shown in FIG. 9, but the folding prevention protrusion 33b is inserted. This is because it cannot be closed as long as it is interposed between the protrusions 31b. The anti-folding protrusion 33b blocks the reciprocating concave-convex plate 31 from being bent in a state located between the insertion protrusions 31b.

In this state, in order to fold the first and second bodies 12 and 14, the locking shaft 25 is pressed and moved in the direction of the arrow q in FIG. 5. When the locking shaft 25 moves in the direction of the arrow q, the carrier 27 and the reciprocating uneven plate 31 move in the direction of the arrow m in FIG. 8 so that the insertion protrusion 31b deviates from the folding prevention protrusion 33b. In addition, at the same time, the fixing protrusion 25b is separated from the fixing protrusion groove 24d.

Subsequently, when the first and second bodies 12 and 14 are folded, as shown in FIG. 10B, the first shaft 23 rotates in the direction of the arrow b and the second shaft 24 rotates in the direction of the arrow c by 90 degrees. , The first and second bodies 12 and 14 overlap.

In order to use the foldable phone in an overlapping state, the first and second bodies 12 and 14 are unfolded. As the first and second bodies 12 and 14 are unfolded, the first shaft 23 rotates in the direction of the arrow e in FIG. 11B and the second shaft rotates in the direction of the arrow d. The moment the first and second bodies 12 and 14 are fully unfolded, the fixing protrusion 25b is fitted and fixed in the fixing protrusion groove 24d by the action of the spring 28, and the insertion protrusion 31b prevents folding. It is sandwiched between the projections 33b.

12 and 13 are schematic exploded perspective views of a foldable phone 10 to which a hinge device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied.

Hereinafter, the same reference numerals as the above-described reference numerals denote the same members having the same function.

As shown, the hinge device 20 according to the second embodiment includes the hinge case 22, the first and second shafts 23 and 24, the transfer guide shaft 29, the four carriers 27, respectively. It includes a reciprocating latch 35 fixed to the carrier 27, a fixed uneven plate 37 covering the reciprocating latch 35, and a transmission means. The reciprocating latch 35 is a movable locking part, and the fixed uneven plate 37 is a locking part fixing means.

Like the first embodiment, the first and second shafts 23 and 24 penetrate through the carrier 27 and are supported so as to be axially rotatable on the hinge case 22, and both ends of the first body 12 and It is fixed to the second body 14. It is the same that both ends of the first and second shafts 23 and 24 are connected by the tension band 26 described above.

In particular, driving gears 23d are fixed at both ends of the first shaft 23. The driving gear 23d rotates when the first body 12 is folded or unfolded, and rotates with a transfer induction shaft 29 to be described later. Transmit torque.

The feed induction shaft 29 is a shaft disposed parallel to the lower center of the first and second shafts 23 and 24 and has a plurality of spiral grooves 29a on its outer circumferential surface. Two spiral grooves (29a) are located in the center of the transfer induction shaft (29), one at both ends, all at four locations.

The helical direction of each helical groove 29a is symmetric, so that the left two carriers 27 and the right two carriers 27 move in opposite directions to each other, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A. In other words, it is to induce the carrier 27 to open in the direction of arrow s or to move forward and backward in the direction of arrow t. The moving direction of the carrier 27 varies depending on the axial rotation direction of the transport induction shaft 29.

In addition, driven gears 29b are fixed to both ends of the transfer induction shaft 29. The driven gear 29b engages with the driving gear 23d, and serves to guide the rotational force of the first shaft 23 to the transfer induction shaft 29. As a result, as the first body 12 is rotated, the first shaft 23, the second shaft 24, the movement induction shaft 29, a plurality of carriers 27, and the reciprocating latch 35 are simultaneously It moves.

The carrier 27 passes through the transfer guide shaft 29 and engages with each helical groove 29a. For this purpose, a protrusion (not shown) is formed on the inside of the carrier 27 to fit into the spiral groove 29a. The carrier 27 is supported by the first and second shafts 23 and 24 and is capable of reciprocating motion in the direction of arrows s and t following the axial rotation of the transfer induction shaft 29.

In addition, a reciprocating latch 35 as a movable locking part is fixed on the upper part of each carrier 27. The reciprocating latch 35 extends in the width direction of the installation space 15 and includes a reciprocating sheet 35a having a support end 35e at the extension end, and a plurality of horizontally extended insertions integrally with the reciprocating sheet 35a. It has a protrusion 35b. The support ends 35e of each reciprocating latch 35 are supported by the first and second bodies 12 and 14.

In addition, two of the reciprocating latches 35 form a pair, and move forward and backward with respect to each other while being disposed on opposite sides with a fixed protrusion group (37c in FIG. 15B) interposed therebetween. When the first and second bodies 12 and 14 are folded, it is natural that the reciprocating latch 35 is bent.

The fixed concave-convex plate 37 has a structure almost similar to the fixed concave-convex plate 33 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and is fixed in the same manner. The fixed uneven plate 37 has a fixed sheet 37a having a predetermined thickness in which both ends in the width direction are fixed to the first and second bodies 12 and 14, and a plurality of fixing sheets integrally formed on the bottom surface of the fixing sheet 37a. It has a protrusion 37b. The fixed uneven plate 37 is bent when the first and second bodies are folded and unfolded when unfolded.

The fixing protrusions 37b are linear protrusions extending in the longitudinal direction, and as shown in FIG. 15B, a plurality of fixing protrusions 37b are arranged at regular intervals in the width direction of the fixing sheet. In this way, the fixing protrusions 37b are formed at regular intervals in the width direction of the fixing sheet 37a, and the entire fixing protrusion group 37c is formed.

Two of the fixing protrusion groups 37c are applied to the bottom surface of the fixing sheet 37a, and are spaced apart from each other, and three retreat spaces 37d are provided in both between and outside the fixing protrusion group 37c. The retreat space part 37d is a space in which the reciprocating latch 35 waits. Each reciprocating latch 35 is installed in the retreat space part 37d and is inserted or separated into the fixed protrusion group 37c when the transfer induction shaft rotates.

14A, 14B and 15A, 15B are views for explaining the operation of the hinge device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 14A and 15A are side views showing the internal appearance of the hinge case 22, and FIGS. 14B and 15B show the relative positions of the reciprocating latch 35 with respect to the fixed uneven plate 37. In addition, FIGS. 14A and 14B show the first and second bodies 12 and 14 in an open state, and FIGS. 15A and 15B in a folded state.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, it can be seen that each reciprocating latch 35 enters the fixing protrusion group 37c. At this time, it goes without saying that each insertion protrusion 35b of the reciprocating latch 35 is fitted between the fixing protrusions 37b. Since the insertion protrusion 35b is sandwiched between the fixing protrusions 37b, the fixing uneven plate 37 cannot be bent.

In order to bend the fixing uneven plate 37, each fixing protrusion 37b must be able to open, but since the insertion protrusion 35b is already inserted between the fixing protrusions 37b, the fixing protrusion 37b cannot be opened. It cannot be bent. That is, the first and second bodies 12 and 14 are not folded.

When the first body 12 is rotated to fold the first and second bodies 12 and 14 in the unfolded state, the first shaft 23, the second shaft 24, and the transfer induction shaft 29 rotate at the same time. And, each carrier 27 coupled to the helical groove 29a of the transfer guide shaft 29 moves in the direction of the arrow s, and the reciprocating latch 35 is separated from the fixing protrusion group 37c. As the reciprocating latch 35 deviates from the fixing protrusion group 37c, the first and second bodies 12 and 14 are continuously rotated and overlapped.

When the first and second bodies 12 and 14 in the overlapped state are opened and unfolded, the carrier 27 moves in the direction of the arrow t in FIG. 15A and is again coupled to the fixing protrusion group 37c.

As described above, the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

10: foldable phone 11: display unit 12: first body
14: second body 15: installation space 20: hinge device
21: hinge body 22: hinge case 22a: accommodation space
22b: diaphragm 22c: guide wall 22d: bearing groove
23: first shaft 23a: tension band engaging portion 23c: fitting groove
24: second shaft 24a: tension band engaging portion 24c: fitting groove
24d: fixing protrusion groove 25: locking shaft 25a: stopper
25b: fixator 26: tension belt 27: carrier
28: spring 29: feed induction shaft 29a: spiral groove
29b: driven gear 31: reciprocating uneven plate 31a: reciprocating seat
31b: insertion protrusion 31c: support end 31d: driven slit
31e: Insertion protrusion group 33: Fixed uneven plate 33a: Fixed sheet
33b: anti-folding protrusion 33c: fixing protrusion group 33d: retreat space
35: reciprocating latch 35a: reciprocating sheet 35b: insertion protrusion
35e: support end 37a: fixing sheet 37b: fixing projection
37c: fixator group 37d: retreat space

Claims (14)

It has a display unit on its front side and is installed between the first body and the second body arranged in parallel to each other to support the first and second bodies to be folded or unfolded,
A hinge case interposed between the first and second bodies and having an accommodation space;
A first shaft that is supported so as to be axially rotatable in the receiving space and is fixed to the first body to serve as a rotation axis of the first body;
A second shaft supported so as to be axially rotatable in the receiving space, parallel to the first shaft, and fixed to the second body to serve as a rotation axis of the second body;
A locking shaft parallel to the first and second shafts, one end of which is extended to the outside of the hinge case and capable of reciprocating in a longitudinal direction;
A carrier supported by the first and second shafts, slidable along the longitudinal directions of the first and second shafts, and coupled to the locking shaft;
A movable locking unit that is fixed to the carrier and is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the first and second shafts according to the movement of the carrier;
A foldable that is disposed corresponding to the movable locking unit and includes a locking unit fixing means that is coupled to the movable locking unit in a state where the first and second bodies are fully unfolded, and separated from the movable locking unit to fold the first and second bodies. Hinge device for phone. The method of claim 1,
The hinge case,
It extends in the longitudinal direction and includes a plurality of partition plates inside the accommodation space,
A hinge device for a foldable phone provided with a spring between the diaphragm and the carrier, providing elastic force to the carrier to elastically support the movable locking part toward the locking part fixing means. The method of claim 2,
The first shaft and the second shaft are supported by the diaphragm, and at both ends of the foldable, a torque transmission unit for transmitting the rotational force of the first shaft to the second shaft and transmitting the rotational force of the second shaft to the first shaft is provided. Hinge device for phone. The method of claim 3,
Fitting grooves are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of both ends of the first shaft and the second shaft, respectively,
The torque transmission unit;
As a belt-shaped member having a certain width, one end is fixed to the fitting groove of the first shaft, the other end is fitted into the fitting groove of the second shaft, and the first and second shafts are axially rotated in opposite directions. A hinge device for a foldable phone including a strip. The method of claim 2,
An installation space for accommodating the hinge case is provided between the first body and the second body,
The locking unit fixing means;
It takes the form of a square plate with a certain thickness, and both ends in the width direction are fixed to the first and second bodies, and a fixing sheet that bends when the first and second bodies are folded and unfolds when unfolding,
It is formed on the bottom surface of the fixed sheet, and has a fixed uneven plate having a plurality of anti-folding protrusions having a predetermined interval in the width direction of the fixed sheet,
The movable locking unit;
A reciprocating sheet positioned between the carrier and the fixed uneven plate and coupled with the carrier in a state parallel to the fixed sheet,
A hinge for a foldable phone that is formed on the upper surface of the reciprocating sheet and includes a reciprocating concave-convex plate having a plurality of insertion protrusions fitted between the folding prevention protrusions by the action of the spring when the first and second bodies are fully unfolded Device. The method of claim 5,
Each of the anti-folding protrusions is a linear protrusion extending along the extending direction of the locking shaft, and the entirety forms one fixed protrusion group,
The fixing protrusion group is located at a plurality of locations of the fixing sheet, and is spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval to provide a retreat space portion therebetween,
The insertion protrusion is disposed in the width direction of the reciprocating sheet and the whole forms one insertion protrusion group,
The insertion protrusion group is disposed in the retreat space, and each of the insertion protrusions constituting the insertion protrusion group is inserted between the folding prevention protrusions of the fixed protrusion group by the action of the spring. The method of claim 6,
In the central portion of the reciprocating sheet, a driven slit extending in the moving direction of the reciprocating sheet is formed through,
A hinge device for a foldable phone further provided in the hinge case with a guide wall that is inserted into the driven slit and guides the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating uneven plate. The method of claim 2,
As for preventing axial rotation of the first and second shafts when the first and second bodies are fully unfolded,
At the other end of the locking shaft, a stopper having a fixing protrusion formed on its outer circumferential surface is further provided,
A fixing protrusion groove into which the fixing protrusion is inserted is formed in the first shaft or the second shaft,
A hinge device for a foldable phone in which the fixing protrusion in a state inserted into the fixing protrusion groove is separated from the fixing protrusion groove when one end of the locking shaft is pressed and moved to the inside of the hinge case. It has a display unit on its front side and is installed between the first body and the second body arranged in parallel to each other to support the first and second bodies to be folded or unfolded,
A hinge case interposed between the first and second bodies and having an accommodation space;
A first shaft that is supported so as to be axially rotatable in the receiving space and is fixed to the first body to serve as a rotation axis of the first body;
A second shaft supported so as to be axially rotatable in the receiving space, parallel to the first shaft, and fixed to the second body to serve as a rotation axis of the second body;
A transfer guide shaft which is arranged in parallel with the first and second shafts in the hinge case, has a helical groove formed on its outer circumferential surface, and axially rotates by receiving a rotation torque from the first shaft;
A carrier supported by the first and second shafts so as to be slidably moved, passing the transfer guide shaft therein, but in contact with the spiral groove, and linearly moving along the longitudinal direction of the transfer guide shaft according to the axial rotation of the transfer guide shaft Wow;
A movable locking unit fixed to the carrier and moving linearly with the carrier;
For a foldable phone comprising a locking portion fixing means that is coupled to the movable locking portion and prevents folding when both ends thereof in the width direction are fixed to the first body and the second body, and when the first and second bodies are completely open Hinge device. The method of claim 9,
Between the first shaft and the movement induction shaft, the transmission means for transmitting the rotational force of the first shaft to the movement induction shaft is further provided,
The electric means;
A drive gear fixed to both ends of the first shaft,
A hinge device for a foldable phone provided at both ends of the transfer induction shaft and having driven gears engaged with the driving gear. The method of claim 9,
A hinge device for a foldable phone provided at both ends of the first shaft and the second shaft, provided with a torque transmission unit that transmits the rotational force of the first shaft to the second shaft and transmits the rotational force of the second shaft to the first shaft. The method of claim 11,
Fitting grooves are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of both ends of the first shaft and the second shaft, respectively,
The torque transmission unit;
As a belt-shaped member having a certain width, one end is fixed to the fitting groove of the first shaft, the other end is fitted into the fitting groove of the second shaft, and the first and second shafts are axially rotated in opposite directions. A hinge device for a foldable phone including a strip. The method of claim 9,
An installation space for accommodating the hinge case is provided between the first body and the second body,
The locking unit fixing means;
It takes the form of a square plate having a certain thickness, and both ends in the width direction are fixed to the first and second bodies, and a fixing sheet that is bent when the first and second bodies are folded and unfolded when unfolding;
It is a fixed uneven plate formed on the bottom surface of the fixing sheet and having a plurality of fixing protrusions having a predetermined interval in the width direction of the fixing sheet,
The movable locking unit;
A reciprocating sheet located between the carrier and the fixed uneven plate and coupled with the carrier,
A hinge device for a foldable phone, which is a reciprocating latch formed on the reciprocating sheet and having a plurality of insertion protrusions fitted between the fixing protrusions in a state where the first and second bodies are fully unfolded. The method of claim 13,
A plurality of the fixing protrusions are formed at regular intervals in the width direction of the fixing sheet, and the entire fixing protrusion group is formed,
The fixing protrusion group is formed in a plurality of the fixing sheet, each fixing protrusion group is spaced at a predetermined interval to form a retreat space therebetween,
The reciprocating latch is installed in the retracting space and is inserted into the fixed protrusion group or separated from the fixed protrusion group when the transfer guide shaft rotates.

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