KR20210084393A - foldable electronic device having flexible display - Google Patents

Abstract

A disclosed electronic device comprises: a first body and a second body; a flexible display comprising a first part supported by the first body, a second part supported by the second body, and a third part between the first part and the second part; and a hinge part connecting the first body and the second body and supporting the third part of the flexible display, wherein the hinge part comprises a plurality of sliding members each coupled to at least one of the first body and the second body, and the plurality of sliding members operating such that at least one of the first body and the second body moves in a first direction. Therefore, the present invention is capable of allowing to be protected from being bent during a folding process.

Description

Foldable electronic device having flexible display

Disclosed is a foldable electronic device having a flexible display device.

A portable electronic device (hereinafter, mobile device) such as a communication terminal, a game machine, a multimedia device, a portable computer, and a photographing device includes a display device for displaying image information and an input means such as a keypad. Mobile devices often have a foldable structure that can be folded into a smaller size for portability. In this type of mobile device, two bodies are connected by a folding structure. Since the conventional display device has a non-foldable structure, the display device may be disposed on any one of the two bodies. Therefore, it is difficult to apply a large-area display device to a mobile device having a foldable structure.

As a flexible display device capable of being bent has been developed, research to apply the flexible display device to a mobile device having a foldable structure is being conducted. In this case, since the flexible display device may be disposed across the two bodies across the foldable structure, a large screen may be provided. However, even in a flexible display device that can be bent, the device itself may be damaged when completely bent (that is, bent at an angle). Therefore, a foldable structure capable of limiting the bending radius of the flexible display device when the mobile device is folded is required

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of limiting a curvature of a flexible display device in a folded state as a foldable electronic device.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of preventing a flexible display device from being folded in a direction opposite to the folding direction as a foldable electronic device.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of adjusting an unfolding angle as a foldable electronic device employing a flexible display device.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of stably supporting the flexible display device in a fully unfolded state as a foldable electronic device employing a flexible display device.

According to one aspect, an electronic device includes: first and second bodies; a hinge part connecting the first and second bodies to be foldable; and a flexible display device supported by the first and second bodies across the hinge, wherein the hinge includes: a flexible support member supported by the first and second bodies and flexible; A plurality of slit members having a fixed end supported by the support member and a free end extending from the fixed end toward the flexible display, the plurality of slit members being spaced apart from each other and arranged in the longitudinal direction of the flexible display; In this state, the free ends of the plurality of slit members approach each other, thereby limiting the curvature of the flexible display device.

The electronic device may include a plurality of separation preventing members that block the gap between the free ends of the plurality of slit members so as not to become larger than the gap in the unfolded state.

The separation preventing member may include a pair of wing portions for regulating free ends of adjacent first and second slit members not to be spaced apart from each other, and a connecting portion connecting the pair of wing portions.

First and second immersed portions immersed inwardly from the outer surfaces of the first and second slit members to accommodate the pair of wings, respectively may be provided.

An outer distance of the pair of wing portions may be less than or equal to a sum of a distance between the first and second slit members and a thickness of each of the first and second slot members.

The first and second slit members may be provided with a slot into which the connection part is inserted, and a protrusion part protruding inward from at least one of both side walls of the slot to prevent the connection part from being separated from the slot.

A distance between the bottom of the slot and the protrusion may be determined such that the connecting portion can flow in the insertion direction in the slot.

The separation preventing member may be integrally formed with the slit member.

The separation preventing member includes a connecting portion extending from the first slit member to a neighboring second slit member, and a wing portion provided at an end of the connecting portion to regulate the second slit member not to be separated from the first slit member, An immersion portion immersed inwardly therefrom to accommodate the wing portion may be provided on the outer surface of the second slit member.

The second slit member may be provided with a slot into which the connector is inserted, and a protrusion that protrudes inward from at least one of both side walls of the slot to prevent the connector from being separated from the slot.

A distance between the bottom of the slot and the protrusion may be determined such that the connecting portion can flow in the insertion direction in the slot.

The separation preventing member may include a wire connecting the adjacent first and second slot members.

The hinge part may be slidably connected to at least one of the first and second bodies in a longitudinal direction of the flexible display device.

At least one of the first and second bodies is provided with a sliding groove extending in the longitudinal direction, and the hinge part is supported by a pair of holders disposed on both sides of the supporting member in the longitudinal direction, and the pair of At least one of the holders may be provided with a sliding rail inserted into the sliding groove to slide.

At least one of the pair of holders is provided with a stopper, and at least one of the first and second bodies has a locking protrusion that blocks the hinge from being separated from the first and second bodies by the stopper being caught. can be provided.

The electronic device may include a sliding plate coupled to the hinge unit; and a sliding frame coupled to at least one of the first and second bodies and slidably supported by the sliding plate.

The electronic device may further include an unfolding angle adjusting unit for stopping the sliding plate at one or more positions while sliding.

The unfolding angle adjusting unit moves the sliding plate to a first position corresponding to a fully unfolded state of the first and second bodies, and at least one second position between a fully unfolded state and a fully folded state of the first and second bodies. position can be stopped.

The unfolding angle adjusting unit may include: an angle adjusting post provided on the sliding plate; It is provided on the sliding frame so that the angle adjustment post is inserted and slid, and between first and second locking parts for locking the angle adjustment post at the first and second positions and the first and second locking parts It is located in the angle adjustment slot having a concave portion having a narrower interval than the first and second locking portions; may include.

According to one aspect, an electronic device includes: first and second bodies; a flexible display device supported on the first and second bodies; a hinge part connecting the first and second bodies to be foldable and forming a curved part for preventing the flexible display device from being bent in a folded state; The hinge part is slidably connected to at least one of the first and second bodies.

The electronic device may further include an unfolding angle adjusting unit capable of adjusting the unfolding angles of the first and second bodies by locking the hinge unit at one or more positions while sliding.

The unfolding angle adjusting unit stops the hinge unit in at least one second state between a first state in which the first and second bodies are fully unfolded, and a state in which the first and second bodies are fully unfolded and in the first state and fully folded state. can

The electronic device may include a sliding plate coupled to the hinge unit; a sliding frame coupled to at least one of the first and second bodies and slidably supported by the sliding plate, wherein the unfolding angle adjusting unit includes: an angle adjusting post provided on the sliding plate; It is provided on the sliding frame so that the angle adjustment post can be inserted and slid, and between first and second locking parts for locking the angle adjustment post in the first and second states and the first and second locking parts It is located in the angle adjustment slot having a concave portion having a narrower interval than the first and second locking portions; may include.

The hinge portion may include a flexible support member supported by the first and second bodies and capable of being bent; A plurality of slit members having a fixed end supported by the support member and a free end extending from the fixed end toward the flexible display, the plurality of slit members being spaced apart from each other and arranged in the longitudinal direction of the flexible display; may include .

The electronic device may include a plurality of separation preventing members that block the spacing between the free ends of the plurality of slit members so as not to become larger than the spacing in the unfolded state.

The separation preventing member may include a pair of wing portions for regulating free ends of adjacent first and second slit members not to be spaced apart from each other, and a connecting portion connecting the pair of wing portions.,

The separation preventing member may be integrally formed with the slit member.

The separation preventing member includes a connecting portion extending from the first slit member to a neighboring second slit member, and a wing portion provided at an end of the connecting portion to regulate the second slit member not to be separated from the first slit member, An immersion portion immersed inwardly therefrom to accommodate the wing portion may be provided on the outer surface of the second slit member.

According to the above-described embodiments of the electronic device, the flexible display device may be protected from being bent during the folding process.

Since only folding in one direction is allowed, it is possible to prevent damage to the flexible display element and damage to the electronic device due to folding in the opposite direction.

Since the hinge part and the two bodies are slidably connected, natural folding is possible.

By locking the hinge during sliding, it is possible to adjust the unfolding angle of the two bodies.

The flexible display device can be stably supported in a state in which the two bodies are fully unfolded by locking the hinges so that they do not slide with respect to the two bodies in a fully unfolded state.

1 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of a foldable electronic device.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG. 1 in an unfolded state;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG. 1 in a folded state according to an embodiment;
4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hinge part applied to an embodiment of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG. 1 .
5 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge part according to an embodiment, illustrating a state in which the electronic device is folded at a predetermined angle.
6 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge part according to an embodiment, illustrating a fully folded state of the electronic device.
7 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge portion when the electronic device is folded in a direction opposite to the folding direction.
8 is a plan view of an embodiment of a hinge part capable of limiting a bending direction;
9 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a coupling between the separation preventing member and two adjacent slit members.
10 is a side view of an embodiment of the departure preventing part.
11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the hinge portion shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 is bent in a folding direction so that free ends of two adjacent slit members approach each other.
12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an unfolded state of an embodiment of a hinge part capable of limiting a bending direction shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 .
13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded state of an embodiment of a hinge part capable of limiting a bending direction shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 .
14 is a plan view of another embodiment of a hinge part capable of limiting a bending direction.
15 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the hinge unit shown in FIG. 14 .
16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hinge part capable of limiting a bending direction;
17 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device in which a hinge unit and first and second bodies are slidably connected to each other;
18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA′ of FIG. 17 .
19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB′ of FIG. 17 .
20 is a side view illustrating an unfolding angle of the electronic device.
21 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device in which the first and second bodies and the hinges are slidably connected and the opening angles of the first and second bodies can be adjusted.
22 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the sliding frame and the sliding plate shown in FIG. 21 .
23 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the sliding frame and the sliding plate shown in FIG.
24 is a side view of an electronic device illustrating a state in which the flexible display element and the hinge unit are lifted due to deflection of the hinge unit;

Hereinafter, embodiments of the foldable electronic device will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, and the size or thickness of each component may be exaggerated for clarity of description.

1 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of a foldable electronic device. FIG. 2 is a side view of the foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, and FIG. 3 is a side view of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the folded state.

1, 2, and 3 , the electronic device 100 includes first and second bodies 1 and 2 , a flexible display device 4 , and a hinge unit 3 . The flexible display device 4 is supported on the first body 1 and the second body 2 . For example, the flexible display device 4 may be attached to the first body 1 and the second body 2 using an adhesive means such as an adhesive or double-sided tape. The hinge part 3 is positioned between the first and second bodies 1 and 2, and connects the first and second bodies 1 and 2 in a foldable manner.

The electronic device 100 may be a portable mobile device such as a communication terminal, a game machine, a multimedia device, a portable computer, and a photographing device. In addition, the electronic device 100 performs a main function, and the first body 1 to which a part 4a of the flexible display device 3 is coupled, and a part 4b of the flexible display device 4 are coupled and hinged. Any device having a second body 2 that is foldably connected to the first body 1 by a branch 3 may be used.

A processing unit (not shown) and input/output means (not shown) performing a function according to the purpose of the electronic device 100 may be provided in the first and second bodies 1 and 2 . When the electronic device 100 is a multimedia terminal capable of viewing images and music, the processing unit may include an image/sound information processing unit. When the electronic device 100 is a communication terminal, the processing unit may include a communication module. The input/output unit may include an image/sound input/output unit and a manipulation unit (not shown) for user manipulation. The manipulation unit may be implemented by a touch panel integrated into the flexible display element 4 .

The flexible display device 4 includes a first part 4a coupled to the first body 1, a second part 4b coupled to the second body 2, and a first body 1 and a second body ( 2) can be divided into a third portion 4c between. The third part 4c of the flexible display element 4 is not fixed to the hinge part 3 . As the third portion 4c of the flexible display device 4 is bent, the electronic device 100 may be folded as shown in FIG. 2 . In a state in which the electronic device 100 is folded, the hinge part 3 is positioned outside the flexible display device 4 and forms a curved part 3a having a predetermined curvature as shown in FIG. 3 . In this state, since the hinge part 3 is no longer bent, the third part 4c of the flexible display device 4 may be protected from being completely bent at an angle.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge part 3 according to an embodiment, showing an unfolded state of the electronic device 100 . Referring to FIG. 4 , the hinge part 3 includes a flexible support member 310 , a fixed end 321 supported by the support member 310 , and a free end 322 extending from the fixed end 322 . A plurality of slit members 320 are included. The support member 310 may be freely bendable and may be made of an elastomer such as rubber having elasticity. The plurality of slit members 320 have a rod shape extending in the width direction (FIG. 1: W) of the flexible display device 4 . The cross-sectional shape of the slit member 320 may be, for example, a rectangular shape. The plurality of slit members 320 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (FIG. 1: L) of the flexible display device 4 . If the pitch of the plurality of slit members 320 is P and the thickness of the slit member 320 is T, the initial distance Gi between two adjacent slit members 320 becomes P-T. The slit member 320 is formed of a relatively hard material compared to the support member 310 . For example, the slit member 320 may be formed of plastic, metal, ceramic, or the like. As an embodiment, a plurality of slit members 320 are arranged to be spaced apart while maintaining the pitch P in a mold (not shown), and in this state, an elastomer, which is a material of the support member 310, is injected into the mold and molded. By doing so, the hinge part 3 having a plurality of sleet materials 320 supported by the support member 310 of the fixed end 321 can be manufactured. Both ends of the support member 310 in the longitudinal direction L may be fixed to the first and second bodies 1 and 2 . In addition, both ends of the support member 310 in the longitudinal direction L are supported by a holder (not shown), and the holder may be fixed to the first and second bodies 1 and 2 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , in the unfolded state, the support member 310 has a straight shape, and the interval between the free ends 322 and the fixed ends 321 of the plurality of slit members 320 is the initial interval. It is the same as (Gi).

5 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge part 3 according to an embodiment, illustrating a state in which the electronic device 100 is folded at a predetermined angle. Referring to FIG. 5 , the support member 310 has an arc shape having a curvature. The radius of curvature of the inner circumference 312 of the support member 310 is smaller than the radius of curvature of the outer circumference 311 . Since the support member 310 is a flexible member, the plurality of slit members 320 face the center C of the arc-shaped support member 310, and the free ends 322 of the plurality of slit members 320 approach each other. Thus, the interval G2 becomes smaller than the initial interval Gi.

6 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge part 3 according to an embodiment, showing a state in which the electronic device 100 is completely folded. Referring to FIG. 6 , the free ends 322 of the plurality of slit members 320 are in contact with each other, and the hinge portion 3 forms a curved portion 3a having a predetermined radius of curvature r. The radius of curvature r of the curved portion 3a formed by the hinge portion 3 is determined by the thickness (FIG. 4: T) and the pitch (FIG. 4: P) and the number of the plurality of slit members 320 . In this state, even if the hinge part 3 is further bent, since the free ends 322 of the plurality of slit members 320 made of a hard material are in contact with each other, the hinge part 3 is not bent any more. Since the flexible display element 4 is located inside the hinge part 3 in the folded state, the flexible display element 4 may be protected by the hinge part 3 so as not to be completely bent.

7 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge unit 3 when the electronic device 100 is folded in a direction opposite to the folding direction. Referring to FIG. 7 , since the support member 310 is a flexible member, the hinge part 3 may be bent in a direction opposite to the folding direction. When the flexible display device 4 is folded in a direction positioned outside the hinge part 3 , the flexible display device 4 is coupled to the first and second bodies 1 and 2 so that its length cannot be increased. Therefore, a tensile force is applied to the flexible display device 4 , so that the flexible display device 4 may be separated from the first and second bodies 1 and 2 or the flexible display device 4 may be damaged. 5 and 6, when the hinge part 3 is bent in the folding direction, the free ends 322 of the plurality of slit members 320 approach each other. That is, the interval between the free ends 322 of the plurality of slit members 320 is smaller than the initial interval Gi. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the hinge part 3 is bent in the opposite direction to the folding direction, the free ends 322 of the plurality of slit members 320 are spaced apart from each other. That is, the interval Go between the free ends 322 of the plurality of slit members 320 is greater than the initial interval Gi. Therefore, by restricting the free ends 322 of the plurality of slit members 320 not to be spaced apart from each other, it is possible to prevent the hinge portion 3 from being bent in a direction opposite to the folding direction. For example, by limiting the gap between the free ends 322 of the plurality of slit members 320 not to be greater than the gap in the unfolded state, that is, the initial gap Gi, the hinge part 3 is moved in the direction opposite to the folding direction. It can prevent bending.

8 is a plan view of an embodiment of the hinge portion 3 capable of limiting the bending direction. Referring to FIG. 8 , the hinge part 3 further includes a separation preventing member 330 that blocks the free ends 322 of the plurality of slit members 320 from being spaced apart from each other. A plurality of separation preventing members 330 may be arranged in a zigzag shape to connect neighboring slit members 320 . The separation preventing member 330 may be, for example, a clip-shaped member surrounding the outside of the two adjacent slit members 320-1 and 320-2. Reference numeral 340 denotes a holder that is positioned at both ends of the length “‡ direction L of the support member 310 to support the support member 310 and is coupled to the first and second bodies 1 and 2 .

9 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the coupling between the separation preventing member 330 and the slit members 320-1 and 320-2. 8 and 9, the separation preventing member 330 includes wing portions 331 and 332 that block the free ends 322 of the slit members 320-1 and 320-2 from being spaced apart from each other. A connection part 333 for connecting the wing parts 331 and 332 is provided. The slit members 320-1 and 320-2 are provided with first and second immersed portions 320-1b and 320-2b respectively immersed inward from the outer surfaces 320-1a and 320-2a. and the wing portions 331 and 332 are inserted into the first and second immersed portions 320-1b and 320-2b. The first and second immersed portions 320-1b and 320-2b are immersed downward from the free ends 322 of the slit members 320-1 and 320-2. The outer spacing Gw of the wing portions 331 and 332 may be less than or equal to the sum of the initial spacing Gi and the thicknesses of the slit members 320-1 and 320-2. According to this configuration, the thickness of the wing portions 331 and 332 does not affect the initial interval Gi. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the wing portions 331 and 332 are the outer surfaces 310- of the slit members 320-1 and 320-2 as shown by dotted lines in FIG. 8 . 1a) supported by (310-2a), the wing portions 331 and 332 may be positioned within the initial gap Gi between the slit members 320 . In this case, the initial interval Gi, the pitch P between the slit members 320, and the number of the slit members 320 may be appropriately selected in consideration of the curvature radius r in the folded state.

A coupling portion to which the separation preventing member 330 is coupled is provided in the slit members 320-1 and 320-2. The coupling portion is a partition wall 320 between the inner surfaces 320-1c and 320-2c of the slit members 320-1 and 320-2 and the first and second recessed portions 320-1b and 320-2b. -1d) may include first and second slots 320-1e and 320-2e provided in 320-2d. The connection part 333 may be inserted into the slots 320-1e and 320-2e. A separation preventing portion may be provided in the slots 320-1e and 320-2e to prevent separation after the connection portion 333 is inserted. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of the departure preventing part. 9 and 10 , the separation preventing unit may be implemented by, for example, protrusions 320-1f and 320-2f protruding inward from both side walls of the slots 320-1e and 320-2e. have. The width W1 of the slots 320-1e and 320-2e is greater than the width W3 of the connection part 333, and the distance W2 between the protrusions 320-1f and 320-2f is the connection part 333. ) is smaller than the width W3. The gap W2 between the protrusions 320-1f and 320-2f is determined by pressing the connection part 333 downward with a predetermined force while placing the connection part 333 on the upper part of the slots 320-1e and 320-2e. 333) is set to pass. For example, when the slit members 320-1 and 320-2 are formed of a material softer than the separation preventing member 330, the protrusions 320-1f and 320-2f by the force of pressing the connecting part 333. ), the connecting portion 333 may pass between the protrusions 320-1f and 320-2f while slightly widening the gap W2 between them.

11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the hinge part 3 is bent in the folding direction so that the free ends 322 of the slit members 320-1 and 320-2 approach each other. Referring to FIG. 11 , the inclination of the free ends 322 of the slit members 320-1 and 320-2 in a direction in which they approach each other needs to be allowed naturally. To this end, a clearance is required between the connection part 333 and the slots 320-1e and 320-2e. Since the width W1 of the slots 320-1e and 320-2e is greater than the width W3 of the connection part 333, the connection part 333 is formed in the slot (320-1e) in the slot (320-2e). 320-1e) and 320-2e may flow in the width direction. In addition, the depth from the protrusions 320-1f and 320-2f to the bottoms 320-1g and 320-2g of the slots 320-1e and 320-2e is determined by the connection portion 333 being the protrusion 320- After passing through 1f) (320-2f), it is determined so that it can flow in the vertical direction (insertion direction) between the protrusions (320-1f) (320-2f) and the bottom (320-1g) (320-2g). Accordingly, when the hinge part 3 is bent in the folding direction, the free ends 322 of the slit members 320-1 and 320-2 may be naturally inclined in a direction in which they approach each other.

9 and 10 show an embodiment in which two protrusions 320-1f and 320-2f are formed in each of the slots 320-1e and 320-2e, but the scope of the present invention is limited thereby. it is not For example, one protrusion 320-1f and 320-2f protruding inward from one sidewall of the slots 320-1e and 320-2e may be formed. In this case, the gap W2 is a gap between the protrusions 320-1f and 320-2f and the protrusions 320-1f and 320-2f of the slots 320-1e and 320-2e and the inner surfaces facing each other. becomes this

12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an unfolded state of an embodiment of the hinge part 3 capable of limiting the bending direction shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 . 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded state of an embodiment of the hinge part 3 capable of limiting the bending direction shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 . Referring to FIG. 12 , an initial gap Gi is maintained between the slit members 320 in a state in which the hinge part 3 is unfolded. In this state, even if a force F for bending the free ends 322 of the slit members 320 in a direction to be spaced apart from each other is applied to the hinge part 3 in this state, the freedom of the slit member 320 by the separation preventing member 330 is applied. Since the ends 322 are constrained not to be spaced apart from each other, the hinge portion 3 is not bent. Accordingly, when a tensile force is applied to the flexible display device 4 and the damage to the flexible display device 4 or the coupling between the flexible display device 4 and the first and second bodies 1 and 2 is released. it can be prevented

When the free ends 322 of the slit members 320 approach each other, they are not constrained by the separation preventing member 330 . Therefore, when a force F2 in the opposite direction to the force F1 is applied to the hinge part 3, the free ends 322 of the slit members 320 approach each other as shown in FIG. 13, and the hinge part ( 3) may be bent to form a curved portion 3a having a predetermined radius of curvature.

14 is a plan view of another embodiment of the hinge part 3 capable of limiting the bending direction, and FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the hinge part 3 shown in FIG. 14 . In the embodiment of the hinge part 3 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the separation preventing member 330 is integrally formed with the slit member 320 . 14 and 15, the wing portion 334 is provided at the end of the connecting portion 333 extending from the inner surface 320-1c of the slit member 320-1c toward the slit member 320-2. do. The adjacent slit member 320-2 has an immersion part 320-2b for accommodating the wing part 334, a slot 320-2e into which the connection part 333 is inserted, and a connection part 333 with a slot 320-2e. ) is provided with a protrusion (320-2f) to prevent it from being separated. The slit member 320-1 has an adjacent other slit member (not shown), that is, an immersed part 320-1b for accommodating the connecting part and the wing part provided in the slit member positioned on the opposite side of the slit member 320-2, and a slot ( 320-1e) is provided, and a protrusion 320-1f for preventing the connection part from being separated from the slot 320-1e is provided. In addition, the slit member 320-2 is provided with a connecting portion 333 and a wing portion 332 coupled to another adjacent slit member (not shown).

According to such a configuration, it is possible to limit the bending direction of the hinge part 3 in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13 . In addition, by integrally forming the separation preventing member 330 in the slit member 320 , the number of parts can be reduced to reduce material costs, and manufacturing costs can be reduced by reducing assembly man-hours.

The separation preventing member 330 is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 8 to 15 . For example, the separation preventing member 330 may be implemented by a wire. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the hinge part 3 capable of limiting the bending direction. Referring to FIG. 16 , engaging portions 320-1h and 320-2h are provided on the outer surfaces 320-1a and 320-2a of the slit members 320-1 and 320-2. The locking portions 320-1h and 320-2h may be bent in a “L” shape from the free ends 322 of the slit members 320-1 and 320-2 and extend downward. The engaging portions 320-1h and 320-2h are connected to each other by a wire 330'. The wire 330 ′ includes two ring portions 331 ′ and 332 ′ and a connection wire 333 ′ connecting them. By hooking the hook portions 331 ′ and 332 ′ on both sides of the wire 330 ′ to the engaging portions 320-1h and 320-2h, respectively, the slit members 320-1 and 320-2 are the The free ends 332 may be regulated not to be spaced apart from each other.

Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3 , since the flexible display element 4 is not stretchable, the total length in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2 and the total length in the folded state shown in FIG. 3 should be maintained approximately the same. do. However, since the first and second bodies 1 and 2 and the hinge part 3 are located on the outer periphery of the flexible display device 4 in the folded state, the first and second bodies 1 in the folded state The sum of the lengths of (2) and the outside of the hinge part 3 should be greater than the sum of the lengths of the outside in the unfolded state. Since the first body 1 and the second body 2 cannot generally be stretched and contracted, the support member 310 of the hinge part 3 is formed of a material having elasticity that can be stretched and contracted so that it can be used in an unfolded state and a folded state. It is possible to compensate for the difference in the length of the outer edge.

As another embodiment, by allowing at least one of the first and second bodies 1 and 2 and the hinge portion 3 to slide in the longitudinal direction of the flexible display element 4 to each other, in an unfolded state and a folded state can compensate for the difference in the length of the outer periphery of 17 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the electronic device 100 in which the hinge part 3 and the first and second bodies 1 and 2 are slidably connected to each other. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 16 , and FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 17 .

Referring to FIG. 17 , the first body 1 includes a first housing 11 forming an exterior, and a first portion 4a installed in the first housing 11 and coupled to the flexible display device 4 . It includes a first support plate (12). The second body 2 includes a second housing 21 forming an external appearance, and a second support plate 22 installed in the second housing 21 and coupled to the second part 4b of the flexible display device 4 . includes The hinge part 3 is slidably coupled to the first and second housings 11 and 21, respectively. The hinge part 3 may have a structure including the support member 310 and the slit member 320 or a structure including the support member 310 and the slit member 320 and the separation preventing member 330 .

17 and 18 , the support member 310 is supported by a pair of holders 340 positioned on both sides in the longitudinal direction. The pair of holders 340 are provided with guide rails 341 extending in the longitudinal direction. Sliding grooves 13 and 23 into which the guide rail 341 are slidably inserted are provided in the first and second bodies 1 and 2 . For example, the first and second support plates 12, 22, some 12-1, 22-1 are spaced apart from the inner surfaces of the first and second housings 11 and 21, Sliding grooves 13 and 23 may be formed between the inner surfaces of the first and second housings 11 and 21 .

To regulate the sliding distance between the first and second bodies (1) (2) and the hinge part (3) so that the first and second bodies (1) (2) are not separated in the longitudinal direction with respect to the hinge part (3) Further regulation may be provided. 17 and 19 , the regulating unit is provided in, for example, a stopper 342 provided in a pair of holders 340 and a stopper 342 provided in the first and second bodies 1 and 2, and the stopper 342 is caught. It may be implemented by the jaws 14 and 24 . The stopper 342 may be formed to protrude upward from the edge of the holder 340 . The locking jaws 14 and 24 may have a shape protruding downward from the first and second support plates 12 and 22 .

According to the above configuration, when the hinge part 3 is folded, the first and second bodies 1 and 2 are guided by the guide rail 341 and the sliding grooves 13 and 23 and slide in the longitudinal direction. The outer length may be increased. Therefore, the electronic device 100 can be easily folded as shown in FIG. 3 with a small force. In addition, since the stopper 342 is caught on the locking protrusions 14 and 24 in the fully folded state, the first and second bodies 1 and 2 and the hinge part 3 may not be separated from each other.

In the above-described embodiment, the structure in which the first and second bodies 1 and 2 and the hinge part 3 are mutually slidable has been described. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby, and it is also possible that any one of the first and second bodies 1 and 2 and the hinge part 3 are slidably connected. However, in the folding process by adopting a structure in which the first and second bodies (1) (2) and the hinge part (3) can be slidable to each other, the first and second bodies (1) (2) and the hinge part (3) Since the outer length of can be more naturally increased, the electronic device 100 can be folded more naturally as shown in FIG. 3 .

As shown in FIG. 20 , the electronic device 100 may be implemented to be stopped at a predetermined position between an unfolded state (see FIG. 2 ) and a fully folded state (see FIG. 3 ). That is, the first and second bodies (1) (2) and the hinge part (3) are slidably connected to each other, and the sliding is temporarily stopped at a predetermined position during the sliding, so that the first and second bodies (1) (2) The opening angle (AG) between the can be adjusted. There may be one stop position, or there may be more than one. According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve usability by applying a screen configuration and a user interface (UI) tailored to a stationary angle. For example, the first part 4a supported by the first body 1 erected among the flexible display elements 4 is driven as an image display unit for displaying an image, and the second body laid down among the flexible display elements 4 . The second part 4b supported by (2) can be driven as an input unit capable of inputting a key or the like.

21 is an electronic view in which the first and second bodies 1 and 2 and the hinge part 3 are slidably connected and the opening angle AG of the first and second bodies 1 and 2 can be adjusted. It is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the device 100, and FIGS. 22 and 23 are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the sliding frame 6 and the sliding plate 7 shown in FIG. Referring to FIGS. 21 , 22 and 23 , a sliding frame 6 and a sliding plate 7 slidably coupled to the sliding frame 6 are shown. The sliding frame 6 is coupled to the first and second bodies 1 and 2 . For example, the sliding frame 6 may be coupled to the first and second support plates 12 and 22 . The sliding plate 7 is engaged with the hinge part 3 . For example, the support member 310 may be supported by a pair of holders 340 positioned on both sides in the longitudinal direction, and the sliding plate 7 may be coupled to the holder 340 .

Guide rails 71 extending in the longitudinal direction L are provided on both sides of the sliding plate 7 . A guide groove 63 into which the guide rail 71 is slidably inserted is provided in the sliding frame 6 . For example, the sliding frame 6 includes a first member 61 having a “C”-shaped portion 62 provided on both sides thereof, and a “C”-shaped portion 62 disposed in the guide groove 63 . A second member 64 provided may be included. The second member 64 may be formed of a lubricating material capable of reducing contact resistance with the guide rail 71 . The lubricating material may include, for example, engineering plastics such as polyacetal, oil-containing plastics, or sintered metals. As the sliding plate 7 slides with respect to the sliding frame 6 , the first and second bodies 1 and 2 and the hinge part 3 may be coupled to each other to slide.

To regulate the sliding distance between the first and second bodies (1) (2) and the hinge part (3) so that the first and second bodies (1) (2) are not separated in the longitudinal direction with respect to the hinge part (3) A regulatory department is established. As an embodiment, the regulating unit is provided at one end of the sliding plate 7 in the sliding direction (the opposite end of the portion connected to the hinge 3 ) and a stopper 72 spanning one end of the sliding frame 6 in the longitudinal direction. ) can be implemented by The stopper 72 may be formed to protrude outward from the edge of the sliding plate 7 in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the sliding direction), for example.

By stopping the sliding plate 7 at a predetermined position while sliding with respect to the sliding frame 6, the unfolding angle AG of the first body 1 and the second body 2 is increased as shown in FIG. can be adjusted. The unfolding angle adjusting unit for adjusting the unfolding angle AG of the first body 1 and the second body 2 is cut in the sliding direction of the sliding frame 6 , that is, in the longitudinal direction L of the flexible display element 4 . It may include an angle adjustment slot 65 and an angle adjustment post 73 provided on the sliding plate 7 and inserted into the angle adjustment slot 65 . The angle adjustment slot 65 includes a plurality of locking parts 65-1, 65-2, and 65-3 for locking the angle adjustment post 73, and a plurality of locking parts 65-1 and 65-2. ) (65-3) and located between the plurality of locking portions (65-1, 65-2, 65-3) are provided with concave portions (65a, 65b) narrower spacing than. As an embodiment, the angle adjustment slot 65 is formed of a material having elasticity and may be provided in the elastic member 650 coupled to the sliding frame 6 . The material having elasticity may be, for example, an engineering plastic such as polyacetal, or an elastic metal such as a spring plate.

According to the above-described configuration, when the angle adjustment post 73 is positioned on the first locking part 65-1, the sliding plate 7 is stopped and locked at the first position. The first position corresponds to a state in which the first body 1 and the second body 2 are unfolded (first state) as shown in FIG. 2 . When the hinge part 3 is slid with respect to the first and second bodies 1 and 2 in the unfolded state, and the outer lengths of the first and second bodies 1 and 2 and the hinge part 3 are increased, the hinge The branch 3 is bent outwardly as shown in FIG. 24 . Then, the third part 4c of the flexible display device 4 is not supported by the hinge part 3 and is lifted therebetween. In this state, for example, if a pressing force is applied to the third portion 4c of the flexible display device 4 , the flexible display device 4 may be damaged. Also, when a touch panel function is added to the flexible display device 4 , the touch feeling of the third portion 4c may be poor. According to this embodiment, in order for the angle adjustment post 73 to move from the first locking part 65-1 to the second locking part 65-2, it must pass through the concave part 65a. A force sufficient to allow the angle adjustment post 73 to open the concave portion 65a should be applied to the first and second bodies 1 and 2 . Therefore, unless this amount of force is applied, the hinge part 3 does not slide with respect to the first and second bodies 1 and 2, and the first and second bodies 1 and 2 are shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2 , the flexible display device 4 may be stably supported by the hinge part 3 .

When the angle adjustment post 73 is positioned at the third locking part 65-3, the sliding plate 7 is stopped and locked at the third position. The third position corresponds to a state in which the first body 1 and the second body 2 are fully folded (third state) as shown in FIG. 3 .

In addition, when the angle adjustment post 73 is positioned at the second locking part 65-2, the sliding plate 7 is stopped and locked at the second position. The second position corresponds to a state (second state) in which the first body 1 and the second body 2 form an unfolding angle AG as shown by a solid line in FIG. 19 .

According to the above-described configuration, the first and second bodies 1 and 2 can be locked in a fully unfolded state, a fully folded state, and a state forming an unfolding angle AG between the two states.

Although the present embodiment has been described with respect to a case in which one locking position is provided between the fully folded state and the unfolded state, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. By arranging a plurality of second locking parts 65-2 between the first and third locking parts 65-1 and 65-3, the first and second bodies 1 and 2 can be opened at two or more unfolding angles ( AG) can be locked.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings, this is merely exemplary, and it is understood that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible by those of ordinary skill in the art. will understand Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the following claims.

1...first body 2...second body
11, 21...First, second housing 12, 22...First, second support plate
3...Hinge part 310...Support member
320...slit member 330...space prevention member
331, 332...wings 333...connections
340...holder 4...flexible display element
6...sliding frame 65...angle adjustment slot
65-1, 65-2, 65-3...Locking part 65a, 65b...Recessed part
7...Sliding plate 73...Angle post

Claims (10)

In an electronic device,
a first body and a second body;
a flexible display including a first portion supported by the first body, a second portion supported by the second body, and a third portion between the first portion and the second portion; and
a hinge part connecting the first body and the second body and supporting the third part of the flexible display;
The hinge part,
a plurality of sliding members respectively coupled to at least one of the first body and the second body;
The plurality of sliding members,
An electronic device operable to move at least one of the first body and the second body in a first direction. According to claim 1,
The first body includes a first support plate to which the first part is coupled and a first housing to which the first support plate is coupled,
The second body includes a second support plate to which the second part is coupled and a second housing to which the second support plate is coupled. According to claim 1,
The plurality of sliding members,
a sliding frame coupled to the first body and the second body; and
and a sliding plate sliding along the sliding frame in the first direction. 4. The method of claim 3,
The plurality of sliding members,
a first sliding plate and a second sliding plate respectively coupled to both ends of the hinge part;
a first sliding frame coupled to the first body and to which the first sliding plate is slidably coupled; and
and a second sliding frame coupled to the second body and to which the second sliding plate is slidably coupled. 5. The method of claim 4,
the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate;
Adjusting the unfolding angle stopping the first body and the second body from a first position in an unfolded state and a second position in at least one state between an unfolded state and a folded state of the first body and the second body The electronic device further comprising; 6. The method of claim 5,
The unfolding angle adjustment unit,
an angle adjustment post provided on each of the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate; and
and an angle adjustment slot provided in each of the first sliding frame and the second sliding frame and slidably inserted so that the angle adjustment post is fixed to the first position or the second position. 4. The method of claim 3,
When the flexible display changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the sliding plate slides away from the hinge part. According to claim 1,
The first direction is a longitudinal direction of the flexible display. 4. The method of claim 3,
The sliding frame includes a guide groove for guiding the sliding plate,
and the sliding plate includes a guide rail inserted into the guide groove. 4. The method of claim 3,
The plurality of sliding members,
and a stopper for regulating a sliding distance of the sliding plate.

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