WO2020210987A1 - Hinge structure and mobile terminal - Google Patents

Hinge structure and mobile terminal Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020210987A1
WO2020210987A1 PCT/CN2019/082895 CN2019082895W WO2020210987A1 WO 2020210987 A1 WO2020210987 A1 WO 2020210987A1 CN 2019082895 W CN2019082895 W CN 2019082895W WO 2020210987 A1 WO2020210987 A1 WO 2020210987A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support
center block
hinge structure
rotation axis
base
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2019/082895
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hideo Kato
Yi-Hsiang Liao
Yongbao YUE
Original Assignee
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. filed Critical Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority to PCT/CN2019/082895 priority Critical patent/WO2020210987A1/en
Publication of WO2020210987A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020210987A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1637—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
    • G06F1/1652—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing the display being flexible, e.g. mimicking a sheet of paper, or rollable
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1675—Miscellaneous details related to the relative movement between the different enclosures or enclosure parts
    • G06F1/1681—Details related solely to hinges
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
    • H04M1/0208—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings characterized by the relative motions of the body parts
    • H04M1/0214—Foldable telephones, i.e. with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
    • H04M1/0216—Foldable in one direction, i.e. using a one degree of freedom hinge
    • H04M1/022—The hinge comprising two parallel pivoting axes
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
    • E05Y2999/00—Subject-matter not otherwise provided for in this subclass

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hinge structure and a mobile terminal.
  • a flexible screen has been realized by using an organic light emitting diode (OLED)
  • OLED organic light emitting diode
  • a mobile terminal that foldably incorporates this screen has been developed (see, e.g., Patent Document 1) .
  • a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone and a laptop computer in which a case having a display screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a case having an operation unit such as a keyboard are foldably connected
  • a two-axis or four-axis hinge structure is employed to connect the two cases such that the two cases can open and close with 360 degrees (see, e.g., Patent Documents 2 and 3) .
  • Patent Document 1 Chinese Patent Application Publication No 108173995.
  • Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Application Publication No 2016-001052.
  • Patent Document 3 Japanese Patent Application Publication No 2016-169813.
  • the two cases connected by such a hinge structure cannot accommodate a screen which curves at a finite curvature when the two cases are closed. Therefore, there is a need for a hinge structure that forms one surface to support a flexible screen in the open state and forms a space to accommodate and protect the bended screen in the closed state. In addition, it is also necessary to accommodate a structure that rotates or expands and contracts in a space with a limited size so as to form a space following bending of the screen.
  • a first aspect of the present invention provides a hinge structure comprising: a center block; a first hinge unit including a first support rotatably connected at a first rotation axis provided at one side of the center block in a first direction, the first rotation axis oriented toward a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second support rotatably connected at a second rotation axis provided at the other side of the center block in the first direction, the second rotation axis oriented toward the second direction; and a second hinge unit including a first base rotatably connected to the center block at a third rotation axis located between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis with respect to the first direction, the first base slidably supporting a movable end of the first support and a second base rotatably connected to the center block at a fourth rotation axis located between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis with respect to the first direction, the second base slidably supporting a movable end of the second support.
  • a second aspect of the present invention provides a mobile terminal comprising: a hinge structure according to the first aspect; a first case and a second case connected to the first base and the second base, respectively; and a flexible screen supported on the first case and the second case across the hinge structure.
  • Fig. 1A shows a configuration of a mobile terminal according to the present embodiment in an open state.
  • Fig. 1B shows a configuration of the mobile terminal in a half-closed state (by 90 degrees) .
  • Fig. 1C shows a configuration of the mobile terminal in a closed state.
  • Fig. 2A shows a configuration of a hinge structure according to the present embodiment in an open state.
  • Fig. 2B shows a configuration of the hinge structure in a half-closed state (by 90 degrees) .
  • Fig. 2C shows a configuration of the hinge structure in a closed state.
  • Fig. 3 shows an internal configuration of the hinge structure.
  • Fig. 4A shows an exploded configuration of first and second hinge units and a cover.
  • Fig. 4B shows an exploded configuration of torque mechanisms and a synchronous rotation mechanism.
  • Fig. 5A shows the hinge structure at the open state in an opening-closing operation in a side view.
  • Fig. 5B shows the hinge structure at the open state in the opening-closing operation in a rear view.
  • Fig. 6A shows the hinge structure at a closed state by 60 degrees in the opening-closing operation in a side view.
  • Fig. 6B shows the hinge structure at a closed state by 60 degrees in the opening-closing operation in a rear view.
  • Fig. 7A shows the hinge structure at a closed state by 120 degrees in the opening-closing operation in a side view.
  • Fig. 7B shows the hinge structure at a closed state by 120 degrees in the opening-closing operation in a rear view.
  • Fig. 8A shows the hinge structure at the closed state in the opening-closing operation in a side view.
  • Fig. 8B shows the hinge structure at the closed state in the opening-closing operation in a rear view.
  • Fig. 9A shows a synchronous rotation mechanism according to a variation at the open state in a rear view.
  • Fig. 9B shows a synchronous rotation mechanism according to a variation at the closed state in a rear view.
  • Fig. 10A shows a torque mechanism according to a variation at the open state in a side view.
  • Fig. 10B shows a torque mechanism according to a variation at the closed state in a side view.
  • Figs. 1A to 1C show a configuration of a mobile terminal 100 according to the present embodiment, where Fig. 1A shows the mobile terminal 100 which is opened by 180 degrees (this state is referred to as the open state) , Fig. 1B shows the mobile terminal 100 which is half closed (by 90 degrees) , and Fig. 1C shows the mobile terminal 100 which is closed with 0 degrees (this state is referred to as the closed state) .
  • Fig. 1A shows the mobile terminal 100 which is opened by 180 degrees (this state is referred to as the open state)
  • Fig. 1B shows the mobile terminal 100 which is half closed (by 90 degrees)
  • Fig. 1C shows the mobile terminal 100 which is closed with 0 degrees (this state is referred to as the closed state) .
  • the X-axis direction is also referred to as the horizontal direction (the +X direction is the right side and the -X direction is the left side)
  • the Y-axis direction is also referred to as the vertical direction (the +Y direction is the front side and the -Y direction is the rear side)
  • the Z-axis direction is also referred to as the thickness direction (the +Z direction is the upper side and the -Z direction is the lower side) .
  • the mobile terminal 100 foldably incorporates a flexible screen (also simply referred to as a screen) and comprises a screen 99, first and second cases 50a, 50b, and a hinge structure 1.
  • the screen 99 is a display device for displaying images and, as one example, a sheet-shaped organic EL display formed by forming a plurality of OLEDs on a plastic film is employed.
  • the screen 99 has a thickness of, e.g., 0.76 mm and can be folded by bending a half portion in one side of the vertical direction and a half portion in the other side at their boundary.
  • the first and second cases 50a, 50b are housings connected to the hinge structure 1 to support the screen 99 and also accommodate an arithmetic device for processing image data, a storage device for storing various data, a battery for driving these devices etc.
  • the thickness thereof is, e.g., 6.5 mm, where the thickness is, e.g., 5.4 mm at the step portions described later. In the present embodiment, it is supposed that these devices are included in one or both of the two electronic components 59a, 59b.
  • the first and second cases 50a, 50b include main bodies 51a, 51b and step portions 52a, 52b.
  • the main bodies 51a, 51b are housings having a rectangular shape in a top view that the upper side and one side of the vertical direction (the rear side and the front side, respectively) are opened, and those one sides are connected to the hinge structure 1.
  • the upper ends of the three side surfaces of the main bodies 51a, 51b project upward relative to the step portions 52a, 52b to form edge portions 53a, 53b having a U-shape in a top view.
  • the step portions 52a, 52b are formed on the other sides of the vertical direction (the front side and the rear side, respectively) in the main bodies 51a, 51b. Rectangular recess portions 54a, 54b are formed at the center of the upper surface thereof, and the electronic components 59a, 59b are accommodated therein, respectively.
  • arc-shaped groove portions 51a 0 , 51b 0 are formed, respectively, on both side surfaces of the horizontal direction of the main bodies 51a, 51b to movably receive protrusion portions projecting to both sides of the horizontal direction from the center block 10 of the hinge structure 1 (see Fig. 5A, etc. ) .
  • the protrusion portions of the center block 10 may be end portions of the pins which are provided on the first and second rotation axes 19a, 19b, respectively, to protrude from both sides of the center block 10.
  • the rotation of the first and second cases 50a, 50b relative to the hinge structure 1 i.e., the center block 10) can be guided.
  • groove portions 51a 0 , 51b 0 may be formed, not limited to on the main bodies 51a, 51b of the first and second cases 50a, 50b, on the first and second bases 30a, 30b included in the second hinge unit 30 of the hinge structure 1.
  • the groove portions 51a 0 , 51b 0 formed in the main bodies 51a, 51b may include end portions that interfere with the protrusion portions of the center block 10 in the open state of the mobile terminal 100.
  • the protrusion portions of the center block 10 and the groove portions 51a 0 , 51b 0 of the main bodies 51a, 51b configure a stopper that defines the open state of the mobile terminal 100 (i.e., the hinge structure 1) by causing the protrusion portions to interfere with the end portions of the groove portions 51a 0 , 51b 0 to stop rotation of the first and second cases 50a, 50b, when the mobile terminal 100 is opened.
  • first and second cases 50a, 50b may be connected to the hinge structure 1 so that the edges 55a, 55b of the main bodies 51a, 51b interfere with each other in the open state of the mobile terminal 100.
  • the edges 55a, 55b configure a stopper that defines the open state of the mobile terminal 100 (i.e., the hinge structure 1) by interfering with each other.
  • stopper configured with the protrusion portions of the center block 10 and the groove portions 51a 0 , 51b 0 of the main bodies 51a, 51b and the stopper configured with the edges 55a, 55b of the first and second cases 50a, 50b may be employed.
  • the hinge structure 1 is for connecting and folding the first and second cases 50a, 50b, and forms one surface supporting the center of the screen 99 in the open state and forms a space for accommodating and protecting the screen 99 which bends with a finite radius of curvature (e.g., 2.5 mm) in the closed state.
  • a finite radius of curvature e.g. 2.5 mm
  • the hinge structure 1 connects the first and second cases 50a, 50b, respectively, with the first and second bases 30a, 30b rotatably connected to the center block 10.
  • the configuration of the hinge structure 1 is further described later.
  • the screen 99 is fitted into the inside of the edge portions 53a, 53b of the main bodies 51a, 51b, and its back surface is supported by the first and second cases 50a, 50b across the hinge structure 1.
  • the front side and the rear side of the screen 99 are adhered to the upper surfaces of the step portions 52a, 52b of the first and second cases 50a, 50b, respectively.
  • the mobile terminal 100 i.e., the first and second cases 50a, 50b
  • the upper surfaces of the step portions 52a, 52b of the first and second cases 50a, 50b and the upper surface of the hinge structure 1 form a flush supporting surface and the screen 99 is supported on the supporting surface.
  • the first and second bases 30a, 30b i.e., the second hinge unit 30 including those
  • the first and second supports 20a, 20b i.e., the first hinge unit 20 including those
  • the first and second bases 30a, 30b slide rearward in the first and second bases 30a, 30b and close so that the first and second supports 20a, 20b and the center block 10 form a space inside thereof and accommodate and protect the screen 99 in a bended state in the space.
  • the opening-closing operation of the hinge structure 1 is further described later.
  • Figs. 2A to 2C, 3, 4A, and 4B show a configuration of the hinge structure 1 according to the present embodiment, where Fig. 2A shows the hinge structure 1 in the open state, Fig. 2B shows the hinge structure 1 in a half-closed state (by 90 degrees) , Fig. 2C shows the hinge structure 1 in the closed state, Fig. 3 shows an internal configuration of the hinge structure 1 in the open state (the center block 10, the first and second supports 20a, 20b are not shown) , Fig. 4A shows an exploded configuration of the first and second hinge units 20, 30 and the cover 49, and Fig. 4B shows an exploded configuration of the torque mechanisms 40a, 40b and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c.
  • the hinge structure 1 includes a center block 10, a first hinge unit 20, a second hinge unit 30, torque mechanisms 40a, 40b, a synchronous rotation mechanism 40c, and a cover 49.
  • the center block 10, the first hinge unit 20, and the second hinge unit 30 are configured to be symmetrical in the horizontal direction.
  • the hinge structure 1 includes left and right sets of the torque mechanisms 40a, 40b and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c, which are symmetrically arranged. In the following, unless otherwise stated, only the torque mechanisms 40a, 40b and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c on the right side are described.
  • the center block 10 rotatably supports the first and second supports 20a, 20b of the first hinge unit 20 and the first and second bases 30a, 30b of the second hinge unit 30, and supports various members constituting the torque mechanisms 40a, 40b and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c.
  • the center block 10 is formed into a plate shape having a longer side in the horizontal direction and a width of, e.g., 11 mm in the vertical direction and has six bearings 13a to 15a separated from each other on one of the two long sides and six bearings 13b to 15b on the other long side, two pairs of fixing portions 11, 12 (see Fig. 5B) near the end portions in the horizontal direction and the center of the back surface, and two guides 41 supported by the two pairs of fixing portions 11, 12.
  • Two grooves for respectively receiving the end portions of the two guides 41 are formed on the surfaces of the fixing portions 11, 12 facing each other and two holes for receiving pins passing through holes formed in the leg portions 33a, 33b of the first and second bases 30a, 30b of the second hinge unit 30 are formed on the outer surface of the fixing portions 11.
  • third and fourth rotation axes 9a, 9b for rotating the first and second bases 30a, 30b, respectively, relative to the center block 10 are provided.
  • the third and fourth rotation axes 9a, 9b are located between the first and second rotation axes 19a, 19b with respect to the vertical direction.
  • the third and fourth rotation axes 9a, 9b may overlap each other as long as they are located between the first and second rotation axes 19a, 19b in the vertical direction (i.e., they may be the same axis) or may be offset from each other.
  • the third and fourth rotation axes 9a, 9b may be movable axes that move linearly or in an arc shape in a side view.
  • the third and fourth rotation axes 9a, 9b may be respectively arranged close to the first and second rotation axes 19a, 19b, but the present embodiment is not limited to such.
  • the third and fourth rotation axes 9a, 9b may be respectively arranged close to the second and first rotation axes 19b, 19a in the vertical direction.
  • the third and fourth rotation axes 9a, 9b may be arranged at the same height as the first and second rotation axes 19a, 19b, but the present embodiment is not limited to such.
  • the third and fourth rotation axes 9a, 9b may be arranged above or bellow the first and second rotation axes 19a, 19b..
  • the ends of the first and second bases 30a, 30b along the third and fourth rotation axes 9a, 9b are located outside of the ends of the first and second supports 20a, 20b along the first and second rotation axes 19a, 19b with respect to the horizontal direction (i.e., the ends of the first and second supports 20a, 20b along the first and second rotation axes 19a, 19b are located between the ends of the first and second bases 30a, 30b along the third and fourth rotation axes 9a, 9b with respect to the horizontal direction) .
  • the first support 20a and the first base 30a can be rotated relative to the center block 10 without interfering with each other
  • the second support 20b and the second base 30b can be rotated relative to the center block 10 without interfering with each other.
  • the positional relationship with respect to the horizontal direction between the portions of the first and second supports 20a, 20b on the first and second rotation axes 19a, 19b and the portions of the first and second bases 30a, 30b on the third and fourth rotation axes 9a, 9b may be the same as or opposite to the above.
  • the two guides 41 are columnar members that support the movable members 43 to 46, the following members 47, 48, and biasing members 42 constituting the torque mechanisms 40a, 40b and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c, movably in the horizontal direction. Both ends of each guide 41 are inserted into the groove portions of the fixing portions 11, 12, respectively, and are fixed on the lower-surface side of the center block 10 by the fixing members 11c, 12c. Thereby, the torque mechanisms 40a, 40b and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c can be assembled on the lower-surface side of the center block 10 so that the widths of the first and second cases 50a, 50b or the widths of the first and second bases 30a, 30b arranged on both sides of the center block 10 in the horizontal direction, i.e. the bezel width, can be reduced.
  • the width of the center block 10 in the vertical direction needs to be twice or more as large as the minimum radius of curvature of the screen 99.
  • the first hinge unit 20 is an inner structure of the hinge structure 1 to form a supporting surface for supporting the screen 99 together with the center block 10 in the open state and to form a space for accommodating and protecting the bending screen 99 in the closed state.
  • the first hinge unit 20 has the first and second supports 20a, 20b.
  • the first support 20a is formed into a plate shape having a longer side in the horizontal direction and a width of, e.g., 8.3 mm in the vertical direction and rotatably connected to the front side of the center block 10 at the first rotation axis 19a provided extending in the horizontal direction.
  • the upper surface of the first support 20a functions as a supporting surface for supporting the screen 99.
  • a columnar pin 18a is fitted into the right holes such that its body portion passes through the right two notches and its end portion projects from the right side surface of the first support 20a.
  • a columnar pin 18a is fitted into the left holes such that its body portion passes through the two left notches and its end portion projects from the left side surface of the first support 20a.
  • the body portions of the pins 18a exposed in the four notches and the end portions of the pins 18a protruding from both side surfaces of the first support 20a are inserted into the slide holes 32a 0 formed in the first base 30a.
  • the front long side of the first support 20a is a movable end that slides in the rear-lower manner in the first base 30a.
  • the first support 20a has, on the rear long side thereof, two cams 21a, 22a and two screwcams 23a, 24a in each of the left and right portions.
  • Each of the cams 21a, 22a has a cylindrical portion having a through hole into which a pin is inserted and an arm extending tangentially from the outer surface thereof.
  • One of end surfaces of the cylindrical portion is provided with a cam structure 21a 0 , 22a 0 in which at least one (in the present embodiment, two) projecting portion (i.e., an end cam) is formed around the through hole.
  • the cams 21a, 22a are attached to the first support 20a by fixing the arms to the rear long side of the first support 20a with fixing pins (not shown) such that the cam structures 21a 0 , 22a 0 are oriented to the left and the right, respectively, and the arms are separated from each other.
  • Each of the screwcams 23a, 24a has a cylindrical portion having a through hole into which a pin is inserted and an arm extending tangentially from the outer surface thereof.
  • One of end surfaces of the cylindrical portion is provided with a cam structures 23a 0 , 24a 0 in which at least one (in the present embodiment, two) projecting portion (i.e., an end cam) is formed around the through hole.
  • spiral groove portions 23a 1 , 24a 1 i.e., cylindrical cams
  • spiral groove portions 23a 1 , 24a 1 having the same direction with respect to the central axis of the through hole are formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion.
  • the screwcams 23a, 24a are attached to the first support 20a by fixing the arms to the rear long side of the first support 20a with fixing pins (not shown) such that the cam structures 23a 0 , 24a 0 are oriented to the right and the left, respectively, the arms are aligned between the cams 21a, 22a.
  • the first support 20a is connected to the front side of the center block 10 rotatably at the first rotation axis 19a by arranging the cam 21a on the right side of the bearing 13a, the cam 22a on the right side of the bearing 15a, the screwcams 23a, 24a between the bearings 13a, 14a, aligning their through holes in the horizontal direction, and inserting the pin thereinto.
  • the second support 20b is a plate-like member similar to the first support 20a which has a longer side in the horizontal direction, and is rotatably connected to the rear side of the center block 10 at the second rotation axis 19b provided extending in the horizontal direction.
  • the upper surface of the second support 20b functions as a supporting surface for supporting the screen 99.
  • a columnar pin 18b is fitted into the right holes such that its body portion passes through the two right notches and its end portion projects from the right side surface of the second support 20b.
  • a columnar pin 18b is fitted into the left holes such that its body portion passes through the two left notches and its end portion projects from the left side surface of the second support 20b.
  • the body portions of the pins 18b exposed in the four notches and the end portions of the pins 18b protruding from both side surfaces of the second support 20b are inserted into the slide holes 32b 0 formed in the second base 30b.
  • the rear long side of the second support 20b is a movable end that slides in the front-lower manner in the second base 30b.
  • the second support 20b has, on the front long side thereof, two cams 21b, 22b and two screwcams 23b, 24b in each of the left and right portions.
  • Each of the cams 21b, 22b has a cylindrical portion having a through hole into which a pin is inserted and an arm extending tangentially from the outer surface thereof.
  • One of end surfaces of the cylindrical portion is provided with a cam structures 21b 0 , 22b 0 in which at least one (in the present embodiment, two) projecting portion (i.e., an end cam) is formed around the through hole.
  • the cams 21b, 22b are attached to the second support 20b by fixing the arms to the front long side of the second support 20b with fixing pins (not shown) such that the cam structures 21b 0 , 22b 0 are oriented to the left and the right, respectively, and the arms are separated from each other.
  • Each of the screwcams 23b, 24b has a cylindrical portion having a through hole into which a pin is inserted and an arm extending tangentially from the outer surface thereof.
  • One of end surfaces of the cylindrical portion is provided with a cam structures 23b 0 , 24b 0 in which at least one (in the present embodiment, two) projecting portion (i.e., an end cam) is formed around the through hole.
  • spiral groove portions 23b 1 , 24b 1 i.e., cylindrical cams
  • spiral groove portions 23a 1 , 24a 1 of the screwcams 23a, 24a are formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion.
  • the screwcams 23b, 24b are attached to the second support 20b by fixing the arms to the front long side of the second support 20b with fixing pins (not shown) such that the cam structures 23b 0 , 24b 0 are oriented to the right and the left , respectively, and the arms are aligned between the cams 21b, 22b.
  • the second support 20b is connected to the rear side of the center block 10 rotatably at the second rotation axis 19b by arranging the cam 21b on the right side of the bearing 13b, the cam 22b on the right side of the bearing 15b, the screwcams 23b, 24b between the bearings 13b, 14b, aligning their through holes in the horizontal direction, and inserting the pin thereinto.
  • the first and second supports 20a, 20b are opened and closed, by being rotated at the first rotation axis 19a on the front side and at the second rotation axis 19b on the rear side relative to the center block 10, respectively, and form a flush supporting surface for supporting the screen 99 with the respective supporting surfaces and the upper surface of the center block 10 in the open state.
  • the second hinge unit 30 is an outer structure of the hinge structure 1 for supporting the first and second supports 20a, 20b of the first hinge unit 20, guiding rotation (i.e., opening and closing of the first hinge unit 20) and expansion and contraction (i.e., sliding relative to the second hinge unit 30) of the first and second supports 20a, 20b, as well as forming a supporting surface for supporting the screen 99 together with the center block 10 and the first hinge unit 20 in the open state and folding the screen 99 to accommodate it in the closed state.
  • the second hinge unit 30 has the first and second bases 30a, 30b.
  • the first base 30a is a housing that supports therein the movable end of the first support 20a slidably in the rear-lower manner and is connected to the center block 10 rotatably at the third rotation axis 9a.
  • the first base 30a has a main body 31a, leg portions 33a, and overhang portions 34a.
  • the main body 31a is a housing that has a rectangular shape in a top view and that is open on the upper side and the rear side. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, a part of the front surface is also open.
  • four guide members 32a with upper surfaces being inclined in the rear-lower manner are separated from each other in the horizontal direction.
  • linear slide holes 32a 0 inclined in the rear-lower manner in a side view are formed to penetrate therethrough in the horizontal direction.
  • the leg portions 33a extend rearward from the upper portions of both side surfaces of the main body 31a, respectively, and are integrally formed with the main body 31a. Holes are formed in the tip portions of the leg portions 33a.
  • the overhang portions 34a are formed to overhang frontward from the left and right portions of the front surface of the main body 31a, respectively.
  • the upper surface of the overhang portions 34a functions as a supporting surface for supporting the screen 99.
  • the upper ends of the two side surfaces of the main body 31a and the upper ends of the leg portions 33a are positioned higher than the overhang portions 34a and continue to the edge portion 53a of the first case 50a.
  • the front side of the first support 20a is arranged in the main body 31a of the first base 30a, the guide members 32a of the first base 30a are inserted into the four notches on the front long side, the holes (not shown) of the first support 20a are aligned with the slide holes 32a 0 of both side surfaces of the main body 31a and the guide members 32a in the horizontal direction, so that the pin 18a is inserted through the right side surface of the first base 30a to be fitted into the right holes of the first support 20a and the pin 18a is inserted through the left side surface of the first base 30a to be fitted into the left holes of the first support 20a.
  • the body portions of the pin 18a exposed in the notches and the end portions of the pin 18a protruding from both side surfaces of the first support 20a are inserted into the slide holes 32a 0 that are formed in the guide members 32a and the side surfaces of the first base 30a are inclined in the rear-lower manner, so that a guide structure for guiding movement of the movable end of the first support 20a at least in the thickness direction (the rear-lower direction in the present embodiment) in the first base 30a is obtained.
  • the first hinge unit 20 when the first hinge unit 20 is closed, the first support 20a can slide downward in the first base 30a so that a wide space for accommodating the bended screen 99 can be formed.
  • the end portions of the two leg portions 33a of the first base 30a are respectively disposed on the outer surfaces of the fixing portions 11 at both ends of the center block 10, the holes are aligned in the horizontal direction, and pins (not shown) are inserted thereinto, so that the first base 30a is connected to the center block 10 rotatably at the third rotation axis 9a.
  • the widths of the first and second supports 20a, 20b in the vertical direction needs to be twice or more as large as the minimum radius of curvature of the screen 99.
  • a space for accommodating the center of the screen 99 bending in a U-shape can be formed inside of the first hinge unit 20.
  • the second base 30b is a housing that supports therein the movable end of the second support 20b slidably in the front-lower manner and is connected to the center block 10 rotatably at the fourth rotation axis 9b.
  • the second base 30b has a main body 31b, leg portions 33b, and overhang portions 34b.
  • the main body 31b is a housing that has a rectangular shape in a top view and that is open on the upper side and the front side. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, a part of the rear surface is also open.
  • four guide members 32b with upper surfaces being inclined in the front-lower manner are separated from each other in the horizontal direction.
  • linear slide holes 32b 0 inclined in the front-lower manner in a side view are formed to penetrate therethrough in the horizontal direction.
  • the leg portions 33b extend frontward from the upper portions of both side surfaces of the main body 31b, respectively, and are integrally formed with the main body 31b. Holes are formed in the tip portions of the leg portions 33b.
  • the overhang portions 34b are formed to overhang rearward from the left and right portions of the rear surface of the main body 31b, respectively.
  • the upper surface of the overhang portions 34b functions as a supporting surface for supporting the screen 99.
  • the upper ends of the two side surfaces of the main body 31b and the upper ends of the leg portions 33b are positioned higher than the overhang portions 34b and continue to the edge portion 53b of the second case 50b.
  • the rear side of the second support 20b is arranged in the main body 31b of the second base 30b, the guide members 32b of the second base 30b are inserted into the four notches on the rear long side, the holes (not shown) of the second support 20b are aligned with the slide holes 32b 0 of both side surfaces of the main body 31b and the guide members 32b in the horizontal direction, so that the pin 18b is inserted through the right side surface of the second base 30b to be fitted into the right holes of the second support 20b and the pin 18b is inserted through the left side surface of the second base 30b to be fitted into the left holes of the second support 20b.
  • the body portions of the pin 18b exposed in the notches and the end portions of the pin 18b protruding from both side surfaces of the second support 20b are inserted into the slide holes 32b 0 that are formed in the guide members 32b and the side surfaces of the second base 30b are inclined in the front-lower manner, so that a guide structure for guiding movement of the movable end of the second support 20b at least in the thickness direction (the front-lower direction in the present embodiment) in the second base 30b is obtained.
  • the second support 20b can slide downward in the second base 30b so that a wide space for accommodating the bended screen 99 can be formed.
  • the end portions of the two leg portions 33b of the second base 30b are respectively disposed on the outer surfaces of the fixing portions 11 at both ends of the center block 10, the holes are aligned in the horizontal direction, and pins (not shown) are inserted thereinto, so that the second base 30b is connected to the center block 10 rotatably at the fourth rotation axis 9b.
  • the first and second bases 30a, 30b rotate relative to the center block 10 at the third rotation axis 9a on the front side and the fourth rotation axis 9b on the rear side, respectively, to open and close, the first and second supports 20a, 20b accordingly open and close, and the respective supporting surfaces of the first and second bases 30a, 30b form a flush supporting surface for supporting the screen 99 together with the supporting surfaces of the first and second supports 20a, 20b and the upper surface of the center block 10 in the open state.
  • the torque mechanisms 40a, 40b realize a suction function to generate torques in the directions of opening and closing the first and second supports 20a, 20b of the first hinge unit 20 relative to the center block 10 and a free stop function to stop rotations of the first and second supports 20a, 20b in states between the open state and the closed state.
  • the torque mechanism 40a includes movable members 43, 44 and two biasing members 42.
  • the movable member 43 engages with the cam structures 21a 0 , 21b 0 of the cams 21a, 21b to guide and regulate the rotation thereof.
  • the movable member 43 is formed in a plate shape, where two holes (referred to as guide holes) through which the two guides 41 pass, respectively, are formed and two holes (referred to as pin holes) through which the pins 19a, 19b pass are formed on the front side and the rear side of the guide holes, respectively.
  • the pin holes are offset upward from the guide holes.
  • Locking portions 43a, 43b for locking the cam structures 21a 0 , 21b 0 of the cams 21a, 21b, respectively, are formed around the two pin holes.
  • the movable member 44 engages with the cam structures 23a 0 , 23b 0 of the screwcams 23a, 23b to guide and regulate the rotation thereof.
  • the movable member 44 is formed in a plate shape similarly to the movable member 43, where two guide holes through which the two guides 41 pass, respectively, are formed and two pin holes through which the pins 19a, 19b pass are formed on the front side and the rear side of the guide holes, respectively.
  • the pin holes are offset upward from the guide holes.
  • Locking portions 44a, 44b for locking the cam structures 23a 0 , 23b 0 of the screwcams 23a, 23b, respectively, are formed around the two pin holes.
  • the two biasing members 42 are arranged between the movable members 43, 44 to bias them such that they are separated away from each other, where a spring can be employed as one example.
  • the torque mechanism 40a is assembled on the lower-surface side of the center block 10.
  • the movable members 43, 44 are arranged next to each other in the horizontal direction with the locking portions 43a, 43b and 44a, 44b being oriented toward the right and the left, respectively, the two biasing members 42 are arranged between the movable members 43, 44 such that the biasing members 42 are aligned with those two guide holes, and the guides 41 are inserted into the two guide holes of the movable members 43, 44 via the two biasing members 42, respectively.
  • the movable members 43, 44 are supported by the center block 10 movably in the longitudinal direction of the guides 41, i.e. in the horizontal direction, on the lower-surface side of the center block 10.
  • the torque mechanisms 40a can be assembled on the lower-surface side of the center block 10 so that the widths of the first and second cases 50a, 50b and the first and second bases 30a, 30b arranged on both sides of the center block 10 in the horizontal direction , i.e. the bezel width, can be reduced.
  • the locking portions 43a, 44a of the movable members 43, 44 are arranged between the cam 21a and the screwcam 23a of the first support 20a, the bearing 13a of the center block 10 is arranged between the locking portions 43a, 44a, and the pin 19a is inserted into the through holes of the cam 21a, the screwcam 23a, and the bearing 13a and the pin holes of the movable members 43, 44.
  • the cam structure 21a 0 of the cam 21a engages with the locking portion 43a of the movable member 43
  • the cam structure 23a 0 of the screwcam 23a engages with the locking portion 44a of the movable member 44.
  • the locking portions 43b, 44b of the movable members 43, 44 are arranged between the cam 21b and the screwcam 23b of the second support 20b, the bearing 13b of the center block 10 is arranged between the locking portions 43b, 44b, and the pin 19b is inserted into the through holes of the cam 21b, the screwcam 23b, and the bearing 13b and the pin holes of the movable members 43, 44.
  • the cam structure 21b 0 of the cam 21b engages with the locking portion 43b of the movable member 43
  • the cam structure 23b 0 of the screwcam 23b engages with the locking portion 44b of the movable member 44.
  • the first and second supports 20a, 20b are positioned in the rotational direction relative to the center block 10 by locking the cam structures 21a 0 , 21b 0 of the cams 21a, 21b with the locking portions 43a, 43b of the movable member 43, respectively, and by locking the cam structures 23a 0 , 23b 0 of the screwcams 23a, 23b with the locking portions 44a, 44b of the movable member 44, respectively, in the open state and the closed state of the first hinge unit 20 (the first and second supports 20a, 20b) so that the open state and the closed state of the first hinge unit 20 can be defined (see, e.g., Figs. 5B and 8B) .
  • the movable members 43, 44 are biased by the biasing member 42 to be separated away from each other, thereby, the locking portions 43a, 43b of the movable member 43 climb on and contact with the tops of the cam structures 21a 0 , 21b 0 of the cams 21a, 21b, respectively, and the locking portions 44a, 44b of the movable member 44 ride on and contact with the tops of the cam structures 23a 0 , 23b 0 of the screwcams 23a, 23b, respectively, so that a free stop function for fixing the first and second supports 20a, 20b relative to the center block 10 at any angle by frictional force is realized (see, e.g., Figs. 6B and 7B) .
  • the movable members 43, 44 are biased by the biasing member 42 to be separated away from each other to realize a suction function to rotate the first and second supports 20a, 20b in such a direction that the locking portions 43a, 43b of the movable member 43 engage with the cam structures 21a 0 , 21b 0 of the cams 21a, 21b and the locking portions 44a, 44b of the movable member 44 engage with the cam structures 23a 0 , 23b 0 of the screwcams 23a, 23b.
  • the hinge structure 1 of the present embodiment by constituting the double-sided cam with a set of the movable member 43 and the cams 21a, 21b and a set of the movable member 44 and the screwcams 23a, 23b in the torque mechanism 40a, it is possible to increase the frictional force to enhance the free stop function, to enhance the suction function to regulate rotations of the first and second supports 20a, 20b, and to disperse biasing forces of the biasing members 42 to prevent abrasion of the respective members.
  • a single-sided cam instead of the double-sided cam, may be configured in the torque mechanism 40a.
  • only one of a set of the movable member 43 and the cams 21a, 21b and a set of the movable member 44 and the screwcams 23a, 23b may be employed.
  • the torque mechanism 40b includes movable members 45, 46 and two biasing members 42.
  • the movable members 45, 46 and the two biasing members 42 are configured similarly to the movable members 43, 44 and the two biasing members 42 of the torque mechanism 40a.
  • the torque mechanism 40b is assembled on the lower-surface side of the center block 10, similarly to the torque mechanism 40a.
  • the movable members 45, 46 are arranged next to each other in the horizontal direction with the locking portions 45a, 45b and 46a, 46b being oriented toward the right and the left, respectively, the two biasing members 42 are arranged between the movable members 45, 46 such that the biasing members 42 are aligned with those two guide holes, and the guides 41 are inserted into the two guide holes of the movable members 45, 46 via the two biasing members 42, respectively.
  • the movable members 45, 46 are supported by the center block 10 movably in the longitudinal direction of the guides 41, i.e. in the horizontal direction, on the lower-surface side of the center block 10.
  • the torque mechanisms 40b can be assembled on the lower-surface side of the center block 10 so that the widths of the first and second cases 50a, 50b and the first and second bases 30a, 30b arranged on both sides of the center block 10 in the horizontal direction, i.e. the bezel width, can be reduced.
  • the locking portions 45a, 46a of the movable members 45, 46 are arranged between the screwcam 24a and the cam 22a of the first support 20a, the bearing 14a of the center block 10 is arranged between the locking portions 45a, 46a, and the pin 19a is inserted into the through holes of the screwcam 24a, the cam 22a, and the bearing 14a and the pin holes of the movable members 45, 46.
  • the cam structure 24a 0 of the screwcam 24a engages with the locking portion 45a of the movable member 45
  • the cam structure 22a 0 of the cam 22a engages with the locking portion 46a of the movable member 46.
  • the locking portions 45b, 46b of the movable members 45, 46 are arranged between the screwcam 24b and the cam 22b of the second support 20b, the bearing 14b of the center block 10 is arranged between the locking portions 45b, 46b, and the pin 19b is inserted into the through holes of the screwcam 24b, the cam 22b, and the bearing 14b and the pin holes of the movable members 45, 46.
  • the cam structure 24b 0 of the screwcam 24b engages with the locking portion 45b of the movable member 45
  • the cam structure 22b 0 of the cam 22b engages with the locking portion 46b of the movable member 46.
  • the first and second supports 20a, 20b are positioned in the rotational direction relative to the center block 10 by locking the cam structures 24a 0 , 24b 0 of the screwcams 24a, 24b with the locking portions 45a, 45b of the movable member 45, respectively, and by locking the cam structures 22a 0 , 22b 0 of the cams 22a, 22b with the locking portions 46a, 46b of the movable member 46, respectively, in the open state and the closed state of the first hinge unit 20 (the first and second supports 20a, 20b) so that the open state and the closed state of the first hinge unit 20 can be defined (see, e.g., Figs. 5B and 8B) .
  • the movable members 45, 46 are biased by the biasing member 42 to be separated away from each other, thereby, the locking portions 45a, 45b of the movable member 45 climb on and contact with the tops of the cam structures 24a 0 , 24b 0 of the screwcams 24a, 24b, respectively, and the locking portions 46a, 46b of the movable member 46 ride on and contact with the tops of the cam structures 22a 0 , 22b 0 of the cams 22a, 22b, respectively, so that a free stop function for fixing the first and second supports 20a, 20b relative to the center block 10 at any angle by frictional force is realized (see, e.g., Figs. 6B and 7B) .
  • the movable members 45, 46 are biased by the biasing member 42 to be separated away from each other to realize a suction function to rotate the first and second supports 20a, 20b in such a direction that the locking portions 45a, 45b of the movable member 45 engage with the cam structures 24a 0 , 24b 0 of the screwcams 24a, 24b and the locking portions 46a, 46b of the movable member 46 engage with the cam structures 22a 0 , 22b 0 of the cams 22a, 22b.
  • the hinge structure 1 of the present embodiment by constituting the double-sided cam with a set of the movable member 45 and the screwcams 24a, 24b and a set of the movable member 46 and the cams 22a, 22b in the torque mechanism 40b, it is possible to increase the frictional force to enhance the free stop function, to enhance the suction function to regulate rotations of the first and second supports 20a, 20b, and to disperse biasing forces of the biasing members 42 to prevent abrasion of the respective members.
  • a single-sided cam instead of the double-sided cam, may be configured in the torque mechanism 40b.
  • only one of a set of the movable member 45 and the screwcams 24a, 24b and a set of the movable member 46 and the cams 22a, 22b may be employed.
  • only one of the torque mechanisms 40a, 40b may be employed.
  • the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c is for synchronizing rotations of the first and second supports 20a, 20b of the first hinge unit 20 relative to the center block 10, and includes following members 47, 48 and two biasing members 42.
  • the following members 47, 48 move in the horizontal direction following rotations of the screwcams 23a, 24a, 23b, 24b to transfer the rotation of one of the set of the screwcams 23a, 24a and the set of the screwcams 23b, 24b to the other set.
  • the following member 47 is formed in a block body having side surfaces in a rounded rectangle shape, where two guide holes through which the two guides 41 respectively pass, a claw-shaped follower 47a extending from the front outer surface in the front right direction, and a claw-shaped follower 47b extending from the rear outer surface in the rear right direction are formed.
  • the following member 48 is formed in a block body having side surfaces in a rounded rectangle shape, where two guide holes through which the two guides 41 respectively pass, a claw-shaped follower 48a extending from the front outer surface in the front right direction, and a claw-shaped follower 48b extending from the rear outer surface in the rear right direction are formed.
  • the two biasing members 42 are arranged between the following members 47, 48 to bias them such that they are separated away from each other, thereby the following members 47, 48 smoothly move in the horizontal direction, where a spring can be employed as one example.
  • the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c is assembled on the lower-surface side of the center block 10.
  • the following members 47, 48 are arranged next to each other in the horizontal direction with the followers 47a, 48a, 47b, 48b being oriented toward the upper-left side, the two biasing members 42 are arranged between the following members 47, 48 such that the biasing members 42 are aligned with those two guide holes, and the guides 41 are inserted into the two guide holes of the following members 47, 48 via the two biasing members 42, respectively.
  • the following members 47, 48 are supported by the center block 10 movably in the longitudinal direction of the guides 41, i.e. in the horizontal direction, on the lower-surface side of the center block 10.
  • the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c can be assembled on the lower-surface side of the center block 10 so that the widths of the first and second cases 50a, 50b and the first and second bases 30a, 30b arranged on both sides of the center block 10 in the horizontal direction , i.e. the bezel width, can be reduced.
  • followers 47a, 48a of the following members 47, 48 are inserted into the spiral groove portions 23a 1 , 24a 1 of the screwcams 23a, 24a and the other followers 47b, 48b are inserted into the spiral groove portions 23b 1 , 24b 1 of the screwcams 23b, 24b.
  • the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c is configured with the set of the following member 47 and the screwcams 23a, 23b and the set of the following member 48 and the screwcams 24a, 24b, but not limited to this.
  • the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c may be configured with only one set.
  • the present embodiment is not limited to the combination of the following members and the screwcams, and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c may be configured, for example, by using a plurality of gears including a gear integrally formed with a cam structure.
  • the cover 49 is for covering the lower-surface side of the center block 10 to protect the guides 41, the torque mechanisms 40a, 40b, and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c, and is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape.
  • the cover 49 is fixed to the center block 10 by fitting its end portions onto the end portions of the center block 10 from above the leg portions 33a, 33b of the first and second bases 30a, 30b.
  • Figs. 5A and 5B show the hinge structure 1 incorporated in the mobile terminal 100 in the open state in a side view (i.e., in a sectional view with respect to the reference line AA in Fig. 5B) and a rear view, respectively.
  • first and second supports 20a, 20b and the first and second bases 30a, 30b open relative to the center block 10 and their supporting surfaces and the upper surface of the center block 10 form a flush supporting surface.
  • the screen 99 is supported on the supporting surface.
  • the protrusion portions of the center block 10 interfere with the end portions of the groove portions 51a 0 , 51b 0 of the first and second cases 50a, 50b and the edges 55a, 55b of the main bodies 51a, 51b of the first and second cases 50a, 50b interfere with each other, so that the respective stopper functions work to regulate opening of the mobile terminal 100, i.e. the hinge structure 1.
  • the pins 18a, 18b on the movable ends of the first and second supports 20a, 20b respectively reach the upper ends of the slide holes 32a 0 , 32b 0 of the first and second bases 30a, 30b so that liftings of the first and second supports 20a, 20b in the first and second bases 30a, 30b is restricted.
  • the cam structures 21a 0 , 21b 0 of the cams 21a, 21b are locked by the locking portions 43a, 43b of the movable member 43, respectively, the cam structures 23a 0 , 23b 0 of the screwcams 23a, 23b are locked by the locking portions 44a, 44b of the movable member 44, respectively, the cam structures 24a 0 , 24b 0 of the screwcams 24a, 24b are locked by the locking portions 45a, 45b of the movable member 45, respectively, and the cam structures 22a 0 , 22b 0 of the cams 22a, 22b are locked by the locking portions 46a, 46b of the movable member 46, respectively.
  • the first and second supports 20a, 20b are positioned relative to the center block 10 in the rotational direction.
  • the followers 47a, 48a of the following members 47, 48 are located at the end portions of the groove portions 23a 1 , 24a 1 of the screwcams 23a, 24a and the other followers 47b, 48b are located at the end portions of the groove portions 23b 1 , 24b 1 of the screwcams 23b, 24b, so that the first and second supports 20a, 20b are aligned with each other in the rotational direction relative to the center block 10.
  • the first case 50a is folded toward the second case 50b in the closing direction by 60 degrees.
  • Figs. 6A and 6B show the hinge structure 1 incorporated in the mobile terminal 100 in a closed state by 60 degrees in a side view (i.e., in a sectional view with respect to the reference line AA in Fig. 6B) and a rear view, respectively.
  • the first and second bases 30a, 30b connected to the first and second cases 50a, 50b rotate relative to the center block 10, respectively.
  • the movable end of the first support 20a supported by the first base 30a slides in the rear-lower manner in the first base 30a, where the pin 18a provided at the movable end is guided in the slide hole 32a 0
  • the first support 20a rotates relative to the center block 10
  • the movable end of the second support 20b supported by the second base 30b slides in the front-lower manner in the second base 30b, where the pin 18b provided at the movable end is guided in the slide hole 32b 0
  • the second support 20b rotates relative to the center block 10.
  • the screwcams 23a, 24a rotate, the followers 47a, 48a are guided in the groove portions 23a 1 , 24a 1 to move the following members 47, 48 to the right, the followers 47b, 48b accordingly rotate the groove portions 23b 1 , 24b 1 of the screwcams 23b, 24b, so that the second support 20b rotates relative to the center block 10.
  • the second support 20b rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the first support 20a.
  • the first case 50a is further folded toward the second case 50b in the closing direction by 60 degrees.
  • Figs. 7A and 7B show the hinge structure 1 incorporated in the mobile terminal 100 in a closed state by 120 degrees in a side view (i.e., in a sectional view with respect to the reference line AA in Fig. 7B) and a rear view, respectively.
  • the first and second bases 30a, 30b connected to the first and second cases 50a, 50b further rotate relative to the center block 10, respectively.
  • the movable end of the first support 20a supported by the first base 30a further slides in the rear-lower manner in the first base 30a, where the pin 18a provided at the movable end is guided in the slide hole 32a 0
  • the first support 20a further rotates relative to the center block 10
  • the movable end of the second support 20b supported by the second base 30b further slides in the front-lower manner in the second base 30b, where the pin 18b provided at the movable end is guided in the slide hole 32b 0
  • the second support 20b further rotates with respect to the center block 10.
  • the free stop function is realized and the first and second supports 20a, 20b are fixed relative to the center block 10 in the rotational direction.
  • the screwcams 23a, 24a rotate, the followers 47a, 48a are guided in the groove portions 23a 1 , 24a 1 to further move the following members 47, 48 to the right, the followers 47b, 48b accordingly rotate the groove portions 23b 1 , 24b 1 of the screwcams 23b, 24b, so that the second support 20b further rotates relative to the center block 10.
  • the second support 20b rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the first support 20a.
  • the mobile terminal 100 i.e. the hinge structure 1
  • Figs. 8A and 8B show the hinge structure 1 incorporated in the mobile terminal 100 in the closed state in a side view (i.e., in a sectional view with respect to the reference line AA in Fig. 8B) and a rear view, respectively.
  • first and second hinge units 20, 30, by further folding the first and second cases 50a, 50b, the first and second bases 30a, 30b connected to the first and second cases 50a, 50b further rotate relative to the center block 10, respectively. Thereby, the center of the screen 99 bends in a U-shape and front and rear halves are folded over.
  • the movable end of the first support 20a supported by the first base 30a further slides in the rear-lower manner in the first base 30a, where the pin 18a provided at the movable end is guided in the slide hole 32a 0 , and the first support 20a further rotates relative to the center block 10 while the movable end of the second support 20b supported by the second base 30b further slides in the front-lower manner in the second base 30b, where the pin 18b provided at the movable end is guided in the slide hole 32b 0 , and the second support 20b further rotates relative to the center block 10.
  • spaces are formed in the first and second bases 30a, 30b and the center of the screen 99 bended in a U-shape is accommodated in the spaces.
  • the suction function is realized, and the first and second supports 20a, 20b rotate relative to the center block 10 in the closing direction such that the locking portions 45a, 45b of the movable member 45 engage with the cam structures 24a 0 , 24b 0 of the screwcams 24a, 24b, respectively, and the locking portions 46a, 46b of the movable member 46 engage with the cam structures 22a 0 , 22b 0 of the cams 22a, 22b, respectively.
  • the cam structures 21a 0 , 21b 0 of the cams 21a, 21b are locked by the locking portions 43a, 43b of the movable member 43, respectively, the cam structures 23a 0 , 23b 0 of the screwcams 23a, 23b are locked by the locking portions 44a, 44b of the movable member 44, respectively, the cam structures 24a 0 , 24b 0 of the screwcams 24a, 24b are locked by the locking portions 45a, 45b of the movable member 45, respectively, and the cam structures 22a 0 , 22b 0 of the cams 22a, 22b are locked by the locking portions 46a, 46b of the movable member 46, respectively.
  • the first and second supports 20a, 20b are positioned at the closed state.
  • the screwcams 23a, 24a rotate, the followers 47a, 48a are guided in the groove portions 23a 1 , 24a 1 to further move the following members 47, 48 to the right side, the followers 47b, 48b accordingly rotate the groove portions 23b 1 , 24b 1 of the screwcams 23b, 24b, so that the second support 20b further rotates with respect to the center block 10.
  • the second support 20b rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the first support 20a.
  • the operation of opening the hinge structure 1 from the closed state to the open state can be described as the reverse operation to the closing operation described above.
  • a hinge structure 1 includes a center block 10, a first hinge unit 20 including a first support 20a rotatably connected at the front side of the center block 10 and a second support 20b rotatably connected at the rear side of the center block 10, and a second hinge unit 30 including a first base 30a rotatably connected to the center of the center block 10 and slidably supporting a movable end of the first support 20a and a second base 30b rotatably connected to the center of the center block 10 and slidably supporting a movable end of the second support 20b.
  • first and second bases 30a, 30b rotate relative to the center block 10 to open and close the second hinge unit 30
  • the rotation of the first and second bases 30a, 30b is transmitted to the first and second supports 20a, 20b so that the movable ends of the first and second supports 20a, 20b slide relative to the first and second bases 30a, 30b, respectively, while the first and second supports 20a, 20b rotate relative to the center block 10 to open and close the first hinge unit 20.
  • the hinge structure 1 employs a double hinge structure that opens and closes relative to the center block 10 by interlocked motions of the first and second hinge units 20, 30.
  • a hinge structure that forms one surface supporting the screen 99 in the open state and forms a space to accommodate and protect the bended screen 99 in the closed state by using a small number of parts.
  • the small number of parts enables the hinge structure 1 to reduce the cumulative tolerance of positional deviations among parts due to opening and closing of the hinge structure 1 and to accurately open and close.
  • the mobile terminal 100 comprises a hinge structure 1, first and second cases 50a, 50b connected to the first and second bases 30a, 30b, respectively, and a screen 99 supported by the first and second cases 50a, 50b extending across the hinge structure 1.
  • the upper surfaces of the step portions 52a, 52b of the first and second cases 50a, 50b and the upper surface of the hinge structure 1 form a flush supporting surface and the screen 99 is supported on the supporting surface.
  • the first and second bases 30a, 30b i.e., the second hinge unit 30
  • the first and second supports 20a, 20b i.e., the first hinge unit 20
  • the first and second bases 30a, 30b slide rearward in the first and second bases 30a, 30b and close so that the first and second supports 20a, 20b and the center block 10 form a space inside thereof and accommodate and protect the screen 99 in a bended state in the space.
  • synchronous rotation mechanism 40c in the hinge structure 1 may be further configured to generate torque such that the first and second supports 20a, 20b of the first hinge unit 20 rotate relative to the center block 10.
  • FIGs. 9A and 9B show a configuration of a synchronous rotation mechanism 140c according to a variation, where Fig. 9A shows a synchronous rotation mechanism 140c in the open state in a rear view and Fig. 9B shows a synchronous rotation mechanism 140c in the closed state in a rear view.
  • a screwcam 124a in which a spiral groove portion 124a 1 in the direction opposite to the groove portion 23a 1 of the screwcam 23a (i.e., a cam with the similar shape as the screwcam 23b) is formed is used instead of the screwcam 24a of the first support 20a described above.
  • a screwcam 124b (i.e., a cam with the similar shape as the screwcam 23a) in which a spiral groove portion 124b 1 in the direction opposite to the groove portion 23b 1 of the screwcam 23b is formed is used instead of the screwcam 24b of the second support 20b described above.
  • a following member 148 supported by the center block 10 movably in the horizontal direction and formed with two followers 148a, 148b respectively inserted into the grooves 124a 1 , 124b 1 of the two alternative screwcams 124 a, 124 b is used instead of the following member 48 (i.e., the following member 48 is reversed in the horizontal direction) .
  • two biasing members 42 are arranged between the following members 47, 148.
  • the two following members 47, 148 are biased to be separated away from each other by the biasing members 42, the screwcams 23a, 124a are rotated by the movement of the following members 47, 148 in such a direction that the groove portions 23a 1 , 124a 1 are separated, and the screwcams 23b, 124b are rotated in such a direction that the groove portions 23b 1 , 124b 1 are separated.
  • the hinge structure 1 can be closed against the elastic force of the screen 99 (i.e., the opening force accompanied therewith) by generating torque in such a direction that the first and second supports 20a, 20b are closed relative to the center block 10.
  • the groove portions 23a 1 , 24a 1 of the screwcams 23a, 24a may be formed to be separated away from each other in such a direction that the first support 20a is opened
  • the groove portions 23b 1 , 24b 1 of the screwcams 23b, 24b may be formed to be separated away from each other in such a direction that the second support 20b is opened
  • the following members 47, 48 may be arranged according to the orientations of those groove portions
  • the two biasing members 42 may be arranged between the following members 47 and 48.
  • a torque mechanism (as one example of a biasing structure) 130c according to a variation may be employed together with or instead of the torque mechanisms 40a, 40b of the hinge structure 1 according to the present embodiment.
  • Figs. 10A and 10B show a configuration of a torque mechanism 130c according to a variation in a side view, where Fig. 10A shows the torque mechanism 130c in the open state and Fig. 10B shows the torque mechanism 130c in the closed state.
  • the torque mechanism 130c is provided in the first and second bases 30a, 30b of the second hinge unit 30 and includes sliders 131a, 131b and biasing members 132a, 132b.
  • the side of the movable ends is formed thicker than the side of the rotation axes 19a, 19b and the lower end portion is chamfered, so that the first and second supports 20a, 20b receive the slopes of the sliders 131a, 131b, respectively, and slide in the rear-lower manner in the first base 30a and the front-lower manner in the second base 30b, respectively.
  • the sliders 131a, 131b are block bodies that slide in the vertical direction in the first and second bases 30a, 30b and move the movable ends of the first and second supports 20a, 20b to the rear side and the front side, respectively.
  • the sliders 131a, 131b have slopes inclined with an angle equal to the inclination of the slide holes 32a 0 , 32b 0 but with a larger angle at their upper and lower ends, and are disposed in the first and second bases 30a, 30b, respectively, such that the slopes contact with the lower portions of the movable ends of the first and second supports 20a, 20b.
  • the biasing members 132a, 132b are to bias the sliders 131a, 131b in the vertical direction and springs may be employed as one example.
  • the biasing members 132a, 132b are arranged in the first and second bases 30a, 30b between fixed ends in the first and second bases 30a, 30b (not shown) and the rear ends of the sliders 131a, 131b.
  • the biasing member 132a biases the slider 131a rearward in the first base 30a. Accordingly, in the open state shown in Fig. 10A, the upper end of the slider 131a pushes up the movable end of the first support 20a in the first base 30a so that the first support 20a rotates to open. In the closed state shown in Fig. 10B, the lower end of the slider 131a pushes down the movable end of the first support 20a in the first base 30a so that the first support 20a rotates to close.
  • the slope of the slider 131a biases the movable end of the first support 20a rearward in the first base 30a so that the frictional force between the slope and the movable end realizes a free stop function to position the first support 20a in the rotational direction.
  • the biasing member 132b biases the slider 131b frontward in the second base 30b. Accordingly, in the open state shown in Fig. 10A, the upper end of the slider 131b pushes up the movable end of the second support 20b in the second base 30b so that the second support 20b rotates to open.
  • the lower end of the slider 131b pushes down the movable end of the second support 20b in the second base 30b so that the second support 20b rotates to close.
  • the slope of the slider 131b biases the movable end of the second support 20b frontward in the second base 30b so that the frictional force between the slope and the movable end realizes a free stop function to position the second support 20b in the rotational direction.
  • the torque mechanisms 40a, 40b and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c are configured symmetrically on the left and right sides in the hinge structure 1, but only one set of torque mechanisms and a synchronous rotation mechanism may be configured in the hinge structure 1 or three or more sets of torque mechanisms and a synchronous rotation mechanism may be configured in the hinge structure 1.
  • hinge structure 1 may be used not only in the mobile terminal 100, but also in any types of openable products.

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Abstract

A hinge structure includes a center block, a first hinge unit including a first support rotatably connected at the front side of the center block and a second support rotatably connected at the rear side of the center block, and a second hinge unit including a first base rotatably connected to the center of the center block and slidably supporting a movable end of the first support and a second base rotatably connected to the center of the center block and slidably supporting a movable end of the second support. Since the rotation axes of the first and second supports are located outside of the rotation axes of the first and second bases with respect to the vertical direction, a space for accommodating a flexible screen can be formed inside of the first and second supports and the center block, when the first hinge unit is closed.

Description

HINGE STRUCTURE AND MOBILE TERMINAL BACKGROUND
1. TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a hinge structure and a mobile terminal.
2. RELATED ART
In recent years, a flexible screen has been realized by using an organic light emitting diode (OLED) , and a mobile terminal that foldably incorporates this screen has been developed (see, e.g., Patent Document 1) . In a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone and a laptop computer in which a case having a display screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a case having an operation unit such as a keyboard are foldably connected, a two-axis or four-axis hinge structure is employed to connect the two cases such that the two cases can open and close with 360 degrees (see, e.g., Patent Documents 2 and 3) .
Patent Document 1: Chinese Patent Application Publication No 108173995.
Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No 2016-001052.
Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No 2016-169813.
However, the two cases connected by such a hinge structure cannot accommodate a screen which curves at a finite curvature when the two cases are closed. Therefore, there is a need for a hinge structure that forms one surface to support a flexible screen in the open state and forms a space to accommodate and protect the bended screen in the closed state. In addition, it is also necessary to accommodate a structure that rotates or expands and contracts in a space with a limited size so as to form a space following bending of the screen.
SUMMARY
A first aspect of the present invention provides a hinge structure comprising: a center block; a first hinge unit including a first support rotatably connected at a first rotation axis provided at one side of the center block in a first direction, the first rotation axis oriented toward a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second support rotatably connected at a second rotation axis provided at the other side of the center block in the first direction, the second rotation axis oriented toward the second direction; and a second hinge unit including a first base rotatably connected to the center block at a third rotation axis located between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis with respect to the first direction, the first base slidably supporting a movable end of the first support and a second base rotatably connected to the center block at a fourth rotation axis located between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis with respect to the first direction, the second base slidably supporting a movable end of the second support.
A second aspect of the present invention provides a mobile terminal  comprising: a hinge structure according to the first aspect; a first case and a second case connected to the first base and the second base, respectively; and a flexible screen supported on the first case and the second case across the hinge structure.
The summary clause does not necessarily describe all necessary features of the embodiments of the present invention. The present invention may also be a sub-combination of the features described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1A shows a configuration of a mobile terminal according to the present embodiment in an open state.
Fig. 1B shows a configuration of the mobile terminal in a half-closed state (by 90 degrees) .
Fig. 1C shows a configuration of the mobile terminal in a closed state.
Fig. 2A shows a configuration of a hinge structure according to the present embodiment in an open state.
Fig. 2B shows a configuration of the hinge structure in a half-closed state (by 90 degrees) .
Fig. 2C shows a configuration of the hinge structure in a closed state.
Fig. 3 shows an internal configuration of the hinge structure.
Fig. 4A shows an exploded configuration of first and second hinge units and a cover.
Fig. 4B shows an exploded configuration of torque mechanisms and a synchronous rotation mechanism.
Fig. 5A shows the hinge structure at the open state in an opening-closing operation in a side view.
Fig. 5B shows the hinge structure at the open state in the opening-closing operation in a rear view.
Fig. 6A shows the hinge structure at a closed state by 60 degrees in the opening-closing operation in a side view.
Fig. 6B shows the hinge structure at a closed state by 60 degrees in the opening-closing operation in a rear view.
Fig. 7A shows the hinge structure at a closed state by 120 degrees in the opening-closing operation in a side view.
Fig. 7B shows the hinge structure at a closed state by 120 degrees in the opening-closing operation in a rear view.
Fig. 8A shows the hinge structure at the closed state in the opening-closing operation in a side view.
Fig. 8B shows the hinge structure at the closed state in the opening-closing operation in a rear view.
Fig. 9A shows a synchronous rotation mechanism according to a variation at the open state in a rear view.
Fig. 9B shows a synchronous rotation mechanism according to a variation at the closed state in a rear view.
Fig. 10A shows a torque mechanism according to a variation at the open state in a side view.
Fig. 10B shows a torque mechanism according to a variation at the closed state in a side view.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
Hereinafter, (some) embodiment (s) of the present invention will be described. The embodiment (s) do (es) not limit the invention according to the claims. Also, every feature described with respect to a given embodiment should not be considered essential to aspects of the invention.
Figs. 1A to 1C show a configuration of a mobile terminal 100 according to the present embodiment, where Fig. 1A shows the mobile terminal 100 which is opened by 180 degrees (this state is referred to as the open state) , Fig. 1B shows the mobile terminal 100 which is half closed (by 90 degrees) , and Fig. 1C shows the mobile terminal 100 which is closed with 0 degrees (this state is referred to as the closed state) . In the open state of the mobile terminal 100 or the hinge structure 1 shown in Fig. 1A, etc., the X-axis direction is also referred to as the horizontal direction (the +X direction is the right side and the -X direction is the left side) , the Y-axis direction is also referred to as the vertical direction (the +Y direction is the front side and the -Y direction is the rear side) , and the Z-axis direction is also referred to as the thickness direction (the +Z direction is the upper side and the -Z direction is the lower side) . The mobile terminal 100 foldably incorporates a flexible screen (also simply referred to as a screen) and comprises a screen 99, first and  second cases  50a, 50b, and a hinge structure 1.
The screen 99 is a display device for displaying images and, as one example, a sheet-shaped organic EL display formed by forming a plurality of OLEDs on a plastic film is employed. The screen 99 has a thickness of, e.g., 0.76 mm and can be folded by bending a half portion in one side of the vertical direction and a half portion in the other  side at their boundary.
The first and  second cases  50a, 50b are housings connected to the hinge structure 1 to support the screen 99 and also accommodate an arithmetic device for processing image data, a storage device for storing various data, a battery for driving these devices etc. The thickness thereof is, e.g., 6.5 mm, where the thickness is, e.g., 5.4 mm at the step portions described later. In the present embodiment, it is supposed that these devices are included in one or both of the two  electronic components  59a, 59b. The first and  second cases  50a, 50b include  main bodies  51a, 51b and  step portions  52a, 52b.
The  main bodies  51a, 51b are housings having a rectangular shape in a top view that the upper side and one side of the vertical direction (the rear side and the front side, respectively) are opened, and those one sides are connected to the hinge structure 1. The upper ends of the three side surfaces of the  main bodies  51a, 51b project upward relative to the  step portions  52a, 52b to form  edge portions  53a, 53b having a U-shape in a top view.
The  step portions  52a, 52b are formed on the other sides of the vertical direction (the front side and the rear side, respectively) in the  main bodies  51a, 51b.  Rectangular recess portions  54a, 54b are formed at the center of the upper surface thereof, and the  electronic components  59a, 59b are accommodated therein, respectively.
It should be noted that arc-shaped  groove portions  51a 0, 51b 0 are formed, respectively, on both side surfaces of the horizontal direction of the  main bodies  51a, 51b to movably receive protrusion portions projecting to both sides of the horizontal direction from the center block 10 of the hinge structure 1 (see Fig. 5A, etc. ) . Here, the  protrusion portions of the center block 10 may be end portions of the pins which are provided on the first and  second rotation axes  19a, 19b, respectively, to protrude from both sides of the center block 10. By movably receiving the protrusion portions of the center block 10 in the  groove portions  51a 0, 51b 0 of the  main bodies  51a, 51b, the rotation of the first and  second cases  50a, 50b relative to the hinge structure 1 (i.e., the center block 10) can be guided.
It should be noted that the  groove portions  51a 0, 51b 0 may be formed, not limited to on the  main bodies  51a, 51b of the first and  second cases  50a, 50b, on the first and  second bases  30a, 30b included in the second hinge unit 30 of the hinge structure 1.
The  groove portions  51a 0, 51b 0 formed in the  main bodies  51a, 51b may include end portions that interfere with the protrusion portions of the center block 10 in the open state of the mobile terminal 100. Thereby, the protrusion portions of the center block 10 and the  groove portions  51a 0, 51b 0 of the  main bodies  51a, 51b configure a stopper that defines the open state of the mobile terminal 100 (i.e., the hinge structure 1) by causing the protrusion portions to interfere with the end portions of the  groove portions  51a 0, 51b 0 to stop rotation of the first and  second cases  50a, 50b, when the mobile terminal 100 is opened.
It should be noted that the first and  second cases  50a, 50b may be connected to the hinge structure 1 so that the  edges  55a, 55b of the  main bodies  51a, 51b interfere with each other in the open state of the mobile terminal 100. The  edges  55a, 55b configure a stopper that defines the open state of the mobile terminal 100 (i.e., the hinge structure 1) by interfering with each other.
It should be noted that only one of the stopper configured with the protrusion portions of the center block 10 and the  groove portions  51a 0, 51b 0 of the  main bodies  51a,  51b and the stopper configured with the  edges  55a, 55b of the first and  second cases  50a, 50b may be employed.
The hinge structure 1 is for connecting and folding the first and  second cases  50a, 50b, and forms one surface supporting the center of the screen 99 in the open state and forms a space for accommodating and protecting the screen 99 which bends with a finite radius of curvature (e.g., 2.5 mm) in the closed state. As described later, the hinge structure 1 connects the first and  second cases  50a, 50b, respectively, with the first and  second bases  30a, 30b rotatably connected to the center block 10. The configuration of the hinge structure 1 is further described later.
In the mobile terminal 100 configured as described above, the screen 99 is fitted into the inside of the  edge portions  53a, 53b of the  main bodies  51a, 51b, and its back surface is supported by the first and  second cases  50a, 50b across the hinge structure 1. Here, the front side and the rear side of the screen 99 are adhered to the upper surfaces of the  step portions  52a, 52b of the first and  second cases  50a, 50b, respectively.
Thereby, when the mobile terminal 100 (i.e., the first and  second cases  50a, 50b) opens, as shown in Fig. 1A, the upper surfaces of the  step portions  52a, 52b of the first and  second cases  50a, 50b and the upper surface of the hinge structure 1 form a flush supporting surface and the screen 99 is supported on the supporting surface.
When the mobile terminal 100 closes (i.e., the first case 50a rotates toward the second case 50b) , as shown in Figs. 1B and 1C, the first and  second bases  30a, 30b (i.e., the second hinge unit 30 including those) to which the first and  second cases  50a, 50b respectively connect are closed, following this, the first and  second supports  20a, 20b (i.e., the first hinge unit 20 including those) supported by the first and  second bases  30a,  30b, respectively, slide rearward in the first and  second bases  30a, 30b and close so that the first and  second supports  20a, 20b and the center block 10 form a space inside thereof and accommodate and protect the screen 99 in a bended state in the space. The opening-closing operation of the hinge structure 1 is further described later.
Figs. 2A to 2C, 3, 4A, and 4B show a configuration of the hinge structure 1 according to the present embodiment, where Fig. 2A shows the hinge structure 1 in the open state, Fig. 2B shows the hinge structure 1 in a half-closed state (by 90 degrees) , Fig. 2C shows the hinge structure 1 in the closed state, Fig. 3 shows an internal configuration of the hinge structure 1 in the open state (the center block 10, the first and  second supports  20a, 20b are not shown) , Fig. 4A shows an exploded configuration of the first and  second hinge units  20, 30 and the cover 49, and Fig. 4B shows an exploded configuration of the  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c. The hinge structure 1 includes a center block 10, a first hinge unit 20, a second hinge unit 30,  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b, a synchronous rotation mechanism 40c, and a cover 49.
It should be noted that the center block 10, the first hinge unit 20, and the second hinge unit 30 are configured to be symmetrical in the horizontal direction. In the following, unless otherwise stated, only the constituents on the right side are described. Moreover, the hinge structure 1 includes left and right sets of the  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c, which are symmetrically arranged. In the following, unless otherwise stated, only the  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c on the right side are described.
The center block 10 rotatably supports the first and  second supports  20a, 20b of  the first hinge unit 20 and the first and  second bases  30a, 30b of the second hinge unit 30, and supports various members constituting the  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c. The center block 10 is formed into a plate shape having a longer side in the horizontal direction and a width of, e.g., 11 mm in the vertical direction and has six bearings 13a to 15a separated from each other on one of the two long sides and six bearings 13b to 15b on the other long side, two pairs of fixing portions 11, 12 (see Fig. 5B) near the end portions in the horizontal direction and the center of the back surface, and two guides 41 supported by the two pairs of fixing  portions  11, 12.
Through holes into which a pin is inserted are formed in the bearings 13a to 15a, 13b to 15b. It should be noted that the pins inserted into the bearings 13a to 15a and the pins inserted into the bearings 13b to 15b function, respectively, as first and  second rotation axes  19a, 19b for rotating the first and  second supports  20a, 20b relative to the center block 10.
Two grooves for respectively receiving the end portions of the two guides 41 are formed on the surfaces of the fixing  portions  11, 12 facing each other and two holes for receiving pins passing through holes formed in the  leg portions  33a, 33b of the first and  second bases  30a, 30b of the second hinge unit 30 are formed on the outer surface of the fixing portions 11. Here, by aligning the holes of the  leg portions  33a, 33b of the first and  second bases  30a, 30b with the holes of the fixing portions 11 and inserting pins (not shown) thereinto, third and  fourth rotation axes  9a, 9b for rotating the first and  second bases  30a, 30b, respectively, relative to the center block 10 are provided.
The third and  fourth rotation axes  9a, 9b are located between the first and  second rotation axes  19a, 19b with respect to the vertical direction. Thereby, when the  first and  second hinge units  20, 30 rotate relative to the center block 10, the first and  second supports  20a, 20b of the first hinge unit 20 respectively shift downward in the first and  second bases  30a, 30b of the second hinge unit 30 to form an internal space between the first and  second supports  20a, 20b and the center block 10.
It should be noted that the third and  fourth rotation axes  9a, 9b may overlap each other as long as they are located between the first and  second rotation axes  19a, 19b in the vertical direction (i.e., they may be the same axis) or may be offset from each other. The third and  fourth rotation axes  9a, 9b may be movable axes that move linearly or in an arc shape in a side view. The third and  fourth rotation axes  9a, 9b may be respectively arranged close to the first and  second rotation axes  19a, 19b, but the present embodiment is not limited to such. The third and  fourth rotation axes  9a, 9b may be respectively arranged close to the second and first rotation axes 19b, 19a in the vertical direction. Moreover, the third and  fourth rotation axes  9a, 9b may be arranged at the same height as the first and  second rotation axes  19a, 19b, but the present embodiment is not limited to such. The third and  fourth rotation axes  9a, 9b may be arranged above or bellow the first and  second rotation axes  19a, 19b..
The ends of the first and  second bases  30a, 30b along the third and  fourth rotation axes  9a, 9b are located outside of the ends of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b along the first and  second rotation axes  19a, 19b with respect to the horizontal direction (i.e., the ends of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b along the first and  second rotation axes  19a, 19b are located between the ends of the first and  second bases  30a, 30b along the third and  fourth rotation axes  9a, 9b with respect to the horizontal direction) . Thereby, the first support 20a and the first base 30a can be rotated relative to the center block 10 without interfering with each other, and the second support 20b  and the second base 30b can be rotated relative to the center block 10 without interfering with each other.
It should be noted that the positional relationship with respect to the horizontal direction between the portions of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b on the first and  second rotation axes  19a, 19b and the portions of the first and  second bases  30a, 30b on the third and  fourth rotation axes  9a, 9b may be the same as or opposite to the above.
The two guides 41 are columnar members that support the movable members 43 to 46, the following  members  47, 48, and biasing members 42 constituting the  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c, movably in the horizontal direction. Both ends of each guide 41 are inserted into the groove portions of the fixing  portions  11, 12, respectively, and are fixed on the lower-surface side of the center block 10 by the fixing  members  11c, 12c. Thereby, the  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c can be assembled on the lower-surface side of the center block 10 so that the widths of the first and  second cases  50a, 50b or the widths of the first and  second bases  30a, 30b arranged on both sides of the center block 10 in the horizontal direction, i.e. the bezel width, can be reduced.
It should be noted that the width of the center block 10 in the vertical direction needs to be twice or more as large as the minimum radius of curvature of the screen 99. Thereby, when the first hinge unit 20 is closed, a space for accommodating the center of the screen 99 bending in a U-shape can be formed inside of the first hinge unit 20.
The first hinge unit 20 is an inner structure of the hinge structure 1 to form a supporting surface for supporting the screen 99 together with the center block 10 in the open state and to form a space for accommodating and protecting the bending screen 99  in the closed state. The first hinge unit 20 has the first and  second supports  20a, 20b.
The first support 20a is formed into a plate shape having a longer side in the horizontal direction and a width of, e.g., 8.3 mm in the vertical direction and rotatably connected to the front side of the center block 10 at the first rotation axis 19a provided extending in the horizontal direction. The upper surface of the first support 20a functions as a supporting surface for supporting the screen 99.
On the front long side of the first support 20a, four notches separated apart in the horizontal direction and holes (not shown) extending in the horizontal direction through them are formed. A columnar pin 18a is fitted into the right holes such that its body portion passes through the right two notches and its end portion projects from the right side surface of the first support 20a. Similarly, a columnar pin 18a is fitted into the left holes such that its body portion passes through the two left notches and its end portion projects from the left side surface of the first support 20a. The body portions of the pins 18a exposed in the four notches and the end portions of the pins 18a protruding from both side surfaces of the first support 20a are inserted into the slide holes 32a 0 formed in the first base 30a. Thereby, the front long side of the first support 20a is a movable end that slides in the rear-lower manner in the first base 30a.
The first support 20a has, on the rear long side thereof, two  cams  21a, 22a and two  screwcams  23a, 24a in each of the left and right portions.
Each of the  cams  21a, 22a has a cylindrical portion having a through hole into which a pin is inserted and an arm extending tangentially from the outer surface thereof. One of end surfaces of the cylindrical portion is provided with a  cam structure  21a 0, 22a 0 in which at least one (in the present embodiment, two) projecting portion (i.e., an end cam) is formed around the through hole. The  cams  21a, 22a are attached to the  first support 20a by fixing the arms to the rear long side of the first support 20a with fixing pins (not shown) such that the  cam structures  21a 0, 22a 0 are oriented to the left and the right, respectively, and the arms are separated from each other.
Each of the  screwcams  23a, 24a has a cylindrical portion having a through hole into which a pin is inserted and an arm extending tangentially from the outer surface thereof. One of end surfaces of the cylindrical portion is provided with a  cam structures  23a 0, 24a 0 in which at least one (in the present embodiment, two) projecting portion (i.e., an end cam) is formed around the through hole. Furthermore,  spiral groove portions  23a 1, 24a 1 (i.e., cylindrical cams) having the same direction with respect to the central axis of the through hole are formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion. The  screwcams  23a, 24a are attached to the first support 20a by fixing the arms to the rear long side of the first support 20a with fixing pins (not shown) such that the  cam structures  23a 0, 24a 0 are oriented to the right and the left, respectively, the arms are aligned between the  cams  21a, 22a.
The first support 20a is connected to the front side of the center block 10 rotatably at the first rotation axis 19a by arranging the cam 21a on the right side of the bearing 13a, the cam 22a on the right side of the bearing 15a, the  screwcams  23a, 24a between the  bearings  13a, 14a, aligning their through holes in the horizontal direction, and inserting the pin thereinto.
The second support 20b is a plate-like member similar to the first support 20a which has a longer side in the horizontal direction, and is rotatably connected to the rear side of the center block 10 at the second rotation axis 19b provided extending in the horizontal direction. The upper surface of the second support 20b functions as a supporting surface for supporting the screen 99.
On the rear long side of the second support 20b, four notches separated apart in the horizontal direction and holes (not shown) extending in the horizontal direction through them are formed. A columnar pin 18b is fitted into the right holes such that its body portion passes through the two right notches and its end portion projects from the right side surface of the second support 20b. Similarly, a columnar pin 18b is fitted into the left holes such that its body portion passes through the two left notches and its end portion projects from the left side surface of the second support 20b. The body portions of the pins 18b exposed in the four notches and the end portions of the pins 18b protruding from both side surfaces of the second support 20b are inserted into the slide holes 32b 0 formed in the second base 30b. Thereby, the rear long side of the second support 20b is a movable end that slides in the front-lower manner in the second base 30b.
The second support 20b has, on the front long side thereof, two  cams  21b, 22b and two  screwcams  23b, 24b in each of the left and right portions.
Each of the  cams  21b, 22b has a cylindrical portion having a through hole into which a pin is inserted and an arm extending tangentially from the outer surface thereof. One of end surfaces of the cylindrical portion is provided with a  cam structures  21b 0, 22b 0 in which at least one (in the present embodiment, two) projecting portion (i.e., an end cam) is formed around the through hole. The  cams  21b, 22b are attached to the second support 20b by fixing the arms to the front long side of the second support 20b with fixing pins (not shown) such that the  cam structures  21b 0, 22b 0 are oriented to the left and the right, respectively, and the arms are separated from each other.
Each of the  screwcams  23b, 24b has a cylindrical portion having a through hole  into which a pin is inserted and an arm extending tangentially from the outer surface thereof. One of end surfaces of the cylindrical portion is provided with a  cam structures  23b 0, 24b 0 in which at least one (in the present embodiment, two) projecting portion (i.e., an end cam) is formed around the through hole. Furthermore,  spiral groove portions  23b 1, 24b 1 (i.e., cylindrical cams) having the same direction with respect to the central axis of the through hole, but the opposite direction with the  spiral groove portions  23a 1, 24a 1 of the  screwcams  23a, 24a, are formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion. The  screwcams  23b, 24b are attached to the second support 20b by fixing the arms to the front long side of the second support 20b with fixing pins (not shown) such that the  cam structures  23b 0, 24b 0 are oriented to the right and the left , respectively, and the arms are aligned between the  cams  21b, 22b.
The second support 20b is connected to the rear side of the center block 10 rotatably at the second rotation axis 19b by arranging the cam 21b on the right side of the bearing 13b, the cam 22b on the right side of the bearing 15b, the  screwcams  23b, 24b between the  bearings  13b, 14b, aligning their through holes in the horizontal direction, and inserting the pin thereinto.
The first and  second supports  20a, 20b are opened and closed, by being rotated at the first rotation axis 19a on the front side and at the second rotation axis 19b on the rear side relative to the center block 10, respectively, and form a flush supporting surface for supporting the screen 99 with the respective supporting surfaces and the upper surface of the center block 10 in the open state.
The second hinge unit 30 is an outer structure of the hinge structure 1 for supporting the first and  second supports  20a, 20b of the first hinge unit 20, guiding rotation (i.e., opening and closing of the first hinge unit 20) and expansion and  contraction (i.e., sliding relative to the second hinge unit 30) of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b, as well as forming a supporting surface for supporting the screen 99 together with the center block 10 and the first hinge unit 20 in the open state and folding the screen 99 to accommodate it in the closed state. The second hinge unit 30 has the first and  second bases  30a, 30b.
The first base 30a is a housing that supports therein the movable end of the first support 20a slidably in the rear-lower manner and is connected to the center block 10 rotatably at the third rotation axis 9a. The first base 30a has a main body 31a, leg portions 33a, and overhang portions 34a.
The main body 31a is a housing that has a rectangular shape in a top view and that is open on the upper side and the rear side. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, a part of the front surface is also open. In the main body 31a, four guide members 32a with upper surfaces being inclined in the rear-lower manner are separated from each other in the horizontal direction. In both side surfaces of the main body 31a and the four guide members 32a, linear slide holes 32a 0 inclined in the rear-lower manner in a side view are formed to penetrate therethrough in the horizontal direction.
The leg portions 33a extend rearward from the upper portions of both side surfaces of the main body 31a, respectively, and are integrally formed with the main body 31a. Holes are formed in the tip portions of the leg portions 33a.
The overhang portions 34a are formed to overhang frontward from the left and right portions of the front surface of the main body 31a, respectively. Here, the upper surface of the overhang portions 34a functions as a supporting surface for supporting the screen 99. By fixing the overhang portions 34a on the step portion 52a of the first  case 50a, the first case 50a can be connected to the first base 30a.
It should be noted that the upper ends of the two side surfaces of the main body 31a and the upper ends of the leg portions 33a are positioned higher than the overhang portions 34a and continue to the edge portion 53a of the first case 50a.
The front side of the first support 20a is arranged in the main body 31a of the first base 30a, the guide members 32a of the first base 30a are inserted into the four notches on the front long side, the holes (not shown) of the first support 20a are aligned with the slide holes 32a 0 of both side surfaces of the main body 31a and the guide members 32a in the horizontal direction, so that the pin 18a is inserted through the right side surface of the first base 30a to be fitted into the right holes of the first support 20a and the pin 18a is inserted through the left side surface of the first base 30a to be fitted into the left holes of the first support 20a. Thereby, the body portions of the pin 18a exposed in the notches and the end portions of the pin 18a protruding from both side surfaces of the first support 20a are inserted into the slide holes 32a 0 that are formed in the guide members 32a and the side surfaces of the first base 30a are inclined in the rear-lower manner, so that a guide structure for guiding movement of the movable end of the first support 20a at least in the thickness direction (the rear-lower direction in the present embodiment) in the first base 30a is obtained. With this guide structure, when the first hinge unit 20 is closed, the first support 20a can slide downward in the first base 30a so that a wide space for accommodating the bended screen 99 can be formed.
Furthermore, the end portions of the two leg portions 33a of the first base 30a are respectively disposed on the outer surfaces of the fixing portions 11 at both ends of the center block 10, the holes are aligned in the horizontal direction, and pins (not  shown) are inserted thereinto, so that the first base 30a is connected to the center block 10 rotatably at the third rotation axis 9a.
It should be noted that the widths of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b in the vertical direction needs to be twice or more as large as the minimum radius of curvature of the screen 99. Thereby, when the first hinge unit 20 is closed, a space for accommodating the center of the screen 99 bending in a U-shape can be formed inside of the first hinge unit 20. Moreover, by sufficiently separating the movable ends of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b from the first and  second rotation axes  19a, 19b, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the movable ends and suppress abrasion, etc., so as to improve the durability.
The second base 30b is a housing that supports therein the movable end of the second support 20b slidably in the front-lower manner and is connected to the center block 10 rotatably at the fourth rotation axis 9b. The second base 30b has a main body 31b, leg portions 33b, and overhang portions 34b.
The main body 31b is a housing that has a rectangular shape in a top view and that is open on the upper side and the front side. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, a part of the rear surface is also open. In the main body 31b, four guide members 32b with upper surfaces being inclined in the front-lower manner are separated from each other in the horizontal direction. In both side surfaces of the main body 31b and the four guide members 32b, linear slide holes 32b 0 inclined in the front-lower manner in a side view are formed to penetrate therethrough in the horizontal direction.
The leg portions 33b extend frontward from the upper portions of both side surfaces of the main body 31b, respectively, and are integrally formed with the main  body 31b. Holes are formed in the tip portions of the leg portions 33b.
The overhang portions 34b are formed to overhang rearward from the left and right portions of the rear surface of the main body 31b, respectively. Here, the upper surface of the overhang portions 34b functions as a supporting surface for supporting the screen 99. By fixing the overhang portions 34b on the step portion 52b of the second case 50b, the second case 50b can be connected to the second base 30b.
It should be noted that the upper ends of the two side surfaces of the main body 31b and the upper ends of the leg portions 33b are positioned higher than the overhang portions 34b and continue to the edge portion 53b of the second case 50b.
The rear side of the second support 20b is arranged in the main body 31b of the second base 30b, the guide members 32b of the second base 30b are inserted into the four notches on the rear long side, the holes (not shown) of the second support 20b are aligned with the slide holes 32b 0 of both side surfaces of the main body 31b and the guide members 32b in the horizontal direction, so that the pin 18b is inserted through the right side surface of the second base 30b to be fitted into the right holes of the second support 20b and the pin 18b is inserted through the left side surface of the second base 30b to be fitted into the left holes of the second support 20b. Thereby, the body portions of the pin 18b exposed in the notches and the end portions of the pin 18b protruding from both side surfaces of the second support 20b are inserted into the slide holes 32b 0 that are formed in the guide members 32b and the side surfaces of the second base 30b are inclined in the front-lower manner, so that a guide structure for guiding movement of the movable end of the second support 20b at least in the thickness direction (the front-lower direction in the present embodiment) in the second base 30b is obtained. With this guide structure, when the first hinge unit 20 is closed, the second  support 20b can slide downward in the second base 30b so that a wide space for accommodating the bended screen 99 can be formed.
Furthermore, the end portions of the two leg portions 33b of the second base 30b are respectively disposed on the outer surfaces of the fixing portions 11 at both ends of the center block 10, the holes are aligned in the horizontal direction, and pins (not shown) are inserted thereinto, so that the second base 30b is connected to the center block 10 rotatably at the fourth rotation axis 9b.
The first and  second bases  30a, 30b rotate relative to the center block 10 at the third rotation axis 9a on the front side and the fourth rotation axis 9b on the rear side, respectively, to open and close, the first and  second supports  20a, 20b accordingly open and close, and the respective supporting surfaces of the first and  second bases  30a, 30b form a flush supporting surface for supporting the screen 99 together with the supporting surfaces of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b and the upper surface of the center block 10 in the open state.
The  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b realize a suction function to generate torques in the directions of opening and closing the first and  second supports  20a, 20b of the first hinge unit 20 relative to the center block 10 and a free stop function to stop rotations of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b in states between the open state and the closed state.
The torque mechanism 40a includes  movable members  43, 44 and two biasing members 42.
The movable member 43 engages with the  cam structures  21a 0, 21b 0 of the  cams  21a, 21b to guide and regulate the rotation thereof. The movable member 43 is formed in a plate shape, where two holes (referred to as guide holes) through which the  two guides 41 pass, respectively, are formed and two holes (referred to as pin holes) through which the  pins  19a, 19b pass are formed on the front side and the rear side of the guide holes, respectively. Here, the pin holes are offset upward from the guide holes. Locking  portions  43a, 43b for locking the  cam structures  21a 0, 21b 0 of the  cams  21a, 21b, respectively, are formed around the two pin holes.
The movable member 44 engages with the  cam structures  23a 0, 23b 0 of the  screwcams  23a, 23b to guide and regulate the rotation thereof. The movable member 44 is formed in a plate shape similarly to the movable member 43, where two guide holes through which the two guides 41 pass, respectively, are formed and two pin holes through which the  pins  19a, 19b pass are formed on the front side and the rear side of the guide holes, respectively. Here, the pin holes are offset upward from the guide holes. Locking portions 44a, 44b for locking the  cam structures  23a 0, 23b 0 of the  screwcams  23a, 23b, respectively, are formed around the two pin holes.
The two biasing members 42 are arranged between the  movable members  43, 44 to bias them such that they are separated away from each other, where a spring can be employed as one example.
The torque mechanism 40a is assembled on the lower-surface side of the center block 10. The  movable members  43, 44 are arranged next to each other in the horizontal direction with the locking  portions  43a, 43b and 44a, 44b being oriented toward the right and the left, respectively, the two biasing members 42 are arranged between the  movable members  43, 44 such that the biasing members 42 are aligned with those two guide holes, and the guides 41 are inserted into the two guide holes of the  movable members  43, 44 via the two biasing members 42, respectively. Thereby, the  movable members  43, 44 are supported by the center block 10 movably in the  longitudinal direction of the guides 41, i.e. in the horizontal direction, on the lower-surface side of the center block 10. In this manner, the torque mechanisms 40a can be assembled on the lower-surface side of the center block 10 so that the widths of the first and  second cases  50a, 50b and the first and  second bases  30a, 30b arranged on both sides of the center block 10 in the horizontal direction , i.e. the bezel width, can be reduced.
Furthermore, the locking portions 43a, 44a of the  movable members  43, 44 are arranged between the cam 21a and the screwcam 23a of the first support 20a, the bearing 13a of the center block 10 is arranged between the locking portions 43a, 44a, and the pin 19a is inserted into the through holes of the cam 21a, the screwcam 23a, and the bearing 13a and the pin holes of the  movable members  43, 44. Thereby, the cam structure 21a 0 of the cam 21a engages with the locking portion 43a of the movable member 43, and the cam structure 23a 0 of the screwcam 23a engages with the locking portion 44a of the movable member 44. Similarly, the locking  portions  43b, 44b of the  movable members  43, 44 are arranged between the cam 21b and the screwcam 23b of the second support 20b, the bearing 13b of the center block 10 is arranged between the locking  portions  43b, 44b, and the pin 19b is inserted into the through holes of the cam 21b, the screwcam 23b, and the bearing 13b and the pin holes of the  movable members  43, 44. Thereby, the cam structure 21b 0 of the cam 21b engages with the locking portion 43b of the movable member 43, and the cam structure 23b 0 of the screwcam 23b engages with the locking portion 44b of the movable member 44.
In the torque mechanism 40a configured as described above, the first and  second supports  20a, 20b are positioned in the rotational direction relative to the center block 10 by locking the  cam structures  21a 0, 21b 0 of the  cams  21a, 21b with the locking  portions  43a, 43b of the movable member 43, respectively, and by locking the  cam structures  23a 0, 23b 0 of the  screwcams  23a, 23b with the locking portions 44a, 44b of the movable member 44, respectively, in the open state and the closed state of the first hinge unit 20 (the first and  second supports  20a, 20b) so that the open state and the closed state of the first hinge unit 20 can be defined (see, e.g., Figs. 5B and 8B) .
Moreover, in states between the open state and the closed state of the first hinge unit 20, the  movable members  43, 44 are biased by the biasing member 42 to be separated away from each other, thereby, the locking  portions  43a, 43b of the movable member 43 climb on and contact with the tops of the  cam structures  21a 0, 21b 0 of the  cams  21a, 21b, respectively, and the locking portions 44a, 44b of the movable member 44 ride on and contact with the tops of the  cam structures  23a 0, 23b 0 of the  screwcams  23a, 23b, respectively, so that a free stop function for fixing the first and  second supports  20a, 20b relative to the center block 10 at any angle by frictional force is realized (see, e.g., Figs. 6B and 7B) .
Moreover, in states close to the open state and the closed state of the first hinge unit 20, the  movable members  43, 44 are biased by the biasing member 42 to be separated away from each other to realize a suction function to rotate the first and  second supports  20a, 20b in such a direction that the locking  portions  43a, 43b of the movable member 43 engage with the  cam structures  21a 0, 21b 0 of the  cams  21a, 21b and the locking portions 44a, 44b of the movable member 44 engage with the  cam structures  23a 0, 23b 0 of the  screwcams  23a, 23b.
In the hinge structure 1 of the present embodiment, by constituting the double-sided cam with a set of the movable member 43 and the  cams  21a, 21b and a set of the movable member 44 and the  screwcams  23a, 23b in the torque mechanism 40a, it  is possible to increase the frictional force to enhance the free stop function, to enhance the suction function to regulate rotations of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b, and to disperse biasing forces of the biasing members 42 to prevent abrasion of the respective members.
It should be noted that a single-sided cam, instead of the double-sided cam, may be configured in the torque mechanism 40a. In other words, only one of a set of the movable member 43 and the  cams  21a, 21b and a set of the movable member 44 and the  screwcams  23a, 23b may be employed.
The torque mechanism 40b includes  movable members  45, 46 and two biasing members 42. The  movable members  45, 46 and the two biasing members 42 are configured similarly to the  movable members  43, 44 and the two biasing members 42 of the torque mechanism 40a.
The torque mechanism 40b is assembled on the lower-surface side of the center block 10, similarly to the torque mechanism 40a. The  movable members  45, 46 are arranged next to each other in the horizontal direction with the locking  portions  45a, 45b and 46a, 46b being oriented toward the right and the left, respectively, the two biasing members 42 are arranged between the  movable members  45, 46 such that the biasing members 42 are aligned with those two guide holes, and the guides 41 are inserted into the two guide holes of the  movable members  45, 46 via the two biasing members 42, respectively. Thereby, the  movable members  45, 46 are supported by the center block 10 movably in the longitudinal direction of the guides 41, i.e. in the horizontal direction, on the lower-surface side of the center block 10. In this manner, the torque mechanisms 40b can be assembled on the lower-surface side of the center block 10 so that the widths of the first and  second cases  50a, 50b and the first and  second bases  30a, 30b arranged on both sides of the center block 10 in the horizontal direction, i.e. the bezel width, can be reduced.
Furthermore, the locking  portions  45a, 46a of the  movable members  45, 46 are arranged between the screwcam 24a and the cam 22a of the first support 20a, the bearing 14a of the center block 10 is arranged between the locking  portions  45a, 46a, and the pin 19a is inserted into the through holes of the screwcam 24a, the cam 22a, and the bearing 14a and the pin holes of the  movable members  45, 46. Thereby, the cam structure 24a 0 of the screwcam 24a engages with the locking portion 45a of the movable member 45, and the cam structure 22a 0 of the cam 22a engages with the locking portion 46a of the movable member 46. Similarly, the locking  portions  45b, 46b of the  movable members  45, 46 are arranged between the screwcam 24b and the cam 22b of the second support 20b, the bearing 14b of the center block 10 is arranged between the locking  portions  45b, 46b, and the pin 19b is inserted into the through holes of the screwcam 24b, the cam 22b, and the bearing 14b and the pin holes of the  movable members  45, 46. Thereby, the cam structure 24b 0 of the screwcam 24b engages with the locking portion 45b of the movable member 45, and the cam structure 22b 0 of the cam 22b engages with the locking portion 46b of the movable member 46.
In the torque mechanism 40b configured as described above, the first and  second supports  20a, 20b are positioned in the rotational direction relative to the center block 10 by locking the  cam structures  24a 0, 24b 0 of the  screwcams  24a, 24b with the locking  portions  45a, 45b of the movable member 45, respectively, and by locking the  cam structures  22a 0, 22b 0 of the  cams  22a, 22b with the locking  portions  46a, 46b of the movable member 46, respectively, in the open state and the closed state of the first hinge unit 20 (the first and  second supports  20a, 20b) so that the open state and the  closed state of the first hinge unit 20 can be defined (see, e.g., Figs. 5B and 8B) .
Moreover, in states between the open state and the closed state of the first hinge unit 20, the  movable members  45, 46 are biased by the biasing member 42 to be separated away from each other, thereby, the locking  portions  45a, 45b of the movable member 45 climb on and contact with the tops of the  cam structures  24a 0, 24b 0 of the  screwcams  24a, 24b, respectively, and the  locking portions  46a, 46b of the movable member 46 ride on and contact with the tops of the  cam structures  22a 0, 22b 0 of the  cams  22a, 22b, respectively, so that a free stop function for fixing the first and  second supports  20a, 20b relative to the center block 10 at any angle by frictional force is realized (see, e.g., Figs. 6B and 7B) .
Moreover, in states close to the open state and the closed state of the first hinge unit 20, the  movable members  45, 46 are biased by the biasing member 42 to be separated away from each other to realize a suction function to rotate the first and  second supports  20a, 20b in such a direction that the locking  portions  45a, 45b of the movable member 45 engage with the  cam structures  24a 0, 24b 0 of the  screwcams  24a, 24b and the  locking portions  46a, 46b of the movable member 46 engage with the  cam structures  22a 0, 22b 0 of the  cams  22a, 22b.
In the hinge structure 1 of the present embodiment, by constituting the double-sided cam with a set of the movable member 45 and the  screwcams  24a, 24b and a set of the movable member 46 and the  cams  22a, 22b in the torque mechanism 40b, it is possible to increase the frictional force to enhance the free stop function, to enhance the suction function to regulate rotations of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b, and to disperse biasing forces of the biasing members 42 to prevent abrasion of the respective members.
It should be noted that a single-sided cam, instead of the double-sided cam, may be configured in the torque mechanism 40b. In other words, only one of a set of the movable member 45 and the  screwcams  24a, 24b and a set of the movable member 46 and the  cams  22a, 22b may be employed. Moreover, only one of the  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b may be employed.
The synchronous rotation mechanism 40c is for synchronizing rotations of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b of the first hinge unit 20 relative to the center block 10, and includes following  members  47, 48 and two biasing members 42.
The following  members  47, 48 move in the horizontal direction following rotations of the  screwcams  23a, 24a, 23b, 24b to transfer the rotation of one of the set of the  screwcams  23a, 24a and the set of the  screwcams  23b, 24b to the other set. The following member 47 is formed in a block body having side surfaces in a rounded rectangle shape, where two guide holes through which the two guides 41 respectively pass, a claw-shaped follower 47a extending from the front outer surface in the front right direction, and a claw-shaped follower 47b extending from the rear outer surface in the rear right direction are formed. Similar to the following member 47, the following member 48 is formed in a block body having side surfaces in a rounded rectangle shape, where two guide holes through which the two guides 41 respectively pass, a claw-shaped follower 48a extending from the front outer surface in the front right direction, and a claw-shaped follower 48b extending from the rear outer surface in the rear right direction are formed.
The two biasing members 42 are arranged between the following  members  47, 48 to bias them such that they are separated away from each other, thereby the following  members  47, 48 smoothly move in the horizontal direction, where a spring can  be employed as one example.
The synchronous rotation mechanism 40c is assembled on the lower-surface side of the center block 10. The following  members  47, 48 are arranged next to each other in the horizontal direction with the  followers  47a, 48a, 47b, 48b being oriented toward the upper-left side, the two biasing members 42 are arranged between the following  members  47, 48 such that the biasing members 42 are aligned with those two guide holes, and the guides 41 are inserted into the two guide holes of the following  members  47, 48 via the two biasing members 42, respectively. Thereby, the following  members  47, 48 are supported by the center block 10 movably in the longitudinal direction of the guides 41, i.e. in the horizontal direction, on the lower-surface side of the center block 10. In this manner, the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c can be assembled on the lower-surface side of the center block 10 so that the widths of the first and  second cases  50a, 50b and the first and  second bases  30a, 30b arranged on both sides of the center block 10 in the horizontal direction , i.e. the bezel width, can be reduced.
Furthermore, the  followers  47a, 48a of the following  members  47, 48 are inserted into the  spiral groove portions  23a 1, 24a 1 of the  screwcams  23a, 24a and the  other followers  47b, 48b are inserted into the  spiral groove portions  23b 1, 24b 1 of the  screwcams  23b, 24b. Thereby, when the first support 20a is rotated relative to the center block 10, the  followers  47a, 48a are guided in the  groove portions  23a 1, 24a 1 of the  screwcams  23a, 24a so that the following  members  47, 48 move toward one side in the horizontal direction, the  followers  47b, 48b accordingly rotate the  groove portions  23b 1, 24b 1 of the  screwcams  23b, 24b to rotate the second support 20b with respect to the center block 10, whereby rotations of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b relative to  the center block 10 can be synchronized.
It should be noted that in the hinge structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c is configured with the set of the following member 47 and the  screwcams  23a, 23b and the set of the following member 48 and the  screwcams  24a, 24b, but not limited to this. The synchronous rotation mechanism 40c may be configured with only one set. Moreover, the present embodiment is not limited to the combination of the following members and the screwcams, and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c may be configured, for example, by using a plurality of gears including a gear integrally formed with a cam structure.
The cover 49 is for covering the lower-surface side of the center block 10 to protect the guides 41, the  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b, and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c, and is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape. The cover 49 is fixed to the center block 10 by fitting its end portions onto the end portions of the center block 10 from above the  leg portions  33a, 33b of the first and  second bases  30a, 30b.
The opening-closing operation of the hinge structure 1 is described.
Figs. 5A and 5B show the hinge structure 1 incorporated in the mobile terminal 100 in the open state in a side view (i.e., in a sectional view with respect to the reference line AA in Fig. 5B) and a rear view, respectively.
In the first and  second hinge units  20, 30, the first and  second supports  20a, 20b and the first and  second bases  30a, 30b open relative to the center block 10 and their supporting surfaces and the upper surface of the center block 10 form a flush supporting surface. The screen 99 is supported on the supporting surface.
At this time, the protrusion portions of the center block 10 (the end portions of the  pins  19a, 19b) interfere with the end portions of the  groove portions  51a 0, 51b 0 of the  first and  second cases  50a, 50b and the  edges  55a, 55b of the  main bodies  51a, 51b of the first and  second cases  50a, 50b interfere with each other, so that the respective stopper functions work to regulate opening of the mobile terminal 100, i.e. the hinge structure 1. Moreover, the  pins  18a, 18b on the movable ends of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b respectively reach the upper ends of the  slide holes  32a 0, 32b 0 of the first and  second bases  30a, 30b so that liftings of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b in the first and  second bases  30a, 30b is restricted.
In the  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b, the  cam structures  21a 0, 21b 0 of the  cams  21a, 21b are locked by the locking  portions  43a, 43b of the movable member 43, respectively, the  cam structures  23a 0, 23b 0 of the  screwcams  23a, 23b are locked by the locking portions 44a, 44b of the movable member 44, respectively, the  cam structures  24a 0, 24b 0 of the  screwcams  24a, 24b are locked by the locking  portions  45a, 45b of the movable member 45, respectively, and the  cam structures  22a 0, 22b 0 of the  cams  22a, 22b are locked by the locking  portions  46a, 46b of the movable member 46, respectively. Thereby, the first and  second supports  20a, 20b are positioned relative to the center block 10 in the rotational direction.
In the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c, the  followers  47a, 48a of the following  members  47, 48 are located at the end portions of the  groove portions  23a 1, 24a 1 of the  screwcams  23a, 24a and the  other followers  47b, 48b are located at the end portions of the  groove portions  23b 1, 24b 1 of the  screwcams  23b, 24b, so that the first and  second supports  20a, 20b are aligned with each other in the rotational direction relative to the center block 10.
Next, from the open state, for example, the first case 50a is folded toward the second case 50b in the closing direction by 60 degrees.
Figs. 6A and 6B show the hinge structure 1 incorporated in the mobile terminal 100 in a closed state by 60 degrees in a side view (i.e., in a sectional view with respect to the reference line AA in Fig. 6B) and a rear view, respectively.
In the first and  second hinge units  20, 30, by folding the first and  second cases  50a, 50b, the first and  second bases  30a, 30b connected to the first and  second cases  50a, 50b rotate relative to the center block 10, respectively. In conjunction with rotations of the first and  second bases  30a, 30b, the movable end of the first support 20a supported by the first base 30a slides in the rear-lower manner in the first base 30a, where the pin 18a provided at the movable end is guided in the slide hole 32a 0, and the first support 20a rotates relative to the center block 10, while the movable end of the second support 20b supported by the second base 30b slides in the front-lower manner in the second base 30b, where the pin 18b provided at the movable end is guided in the slide hole 32b 0, and the second support 20b rotates relative to the center block 10. Thereby, the first and  second supports  20a, 20b descend in the first and  second bases  30a, 30b and the center of the screen 99 rises from the supporting surfaces of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b and the upper surface of the center block 10 to bend.
In the  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b, when the first and  second supports  20a, 20b are closed against suction force that is generated by their suction functions in such a direction that the first and  second supports  20a, 20b are opened, the locking  portions  43a, 43b of the movable member 43 ride on and contact with the tops of the  cam structures  21a 0, 21b 0 of the  cams  21a, 21b, respectively, the locking portions 44a, 44b of the movable member 44 ride on and contact with the tops of the  cam structures  23a 0, 23b 0 of the  screwcams  23a, 23b, respectively, the locking  portions  45a, 45b of the movable member 45 ride on and contact with the tops of the  cam structures  24a 0, 24b 0 of  the  screwcams  24a, 24b, respectively, the locking  portions  46a, 46b of the movable member 46 ride on and contact with the tops of the  cam structures  22a 0, 22b 0 of the  cams  22a, 22b, respectively. Thereby, the free stop function is realized by frictional forces and the first and  second supports  20a, 20b are fixed relative to the center block 10 in the rotational direction.
In the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c, as the first support 20a rotates relative to the center block 10, the  screwcams  23a, 24a rotate, the  followers  47a, 48a are guided in the  groove portions  23a 1, 24a 1 to move the following  members  47, 48 to the right, the  followers  47b, 48b accordingly rotate the  groove portions  23b 1, 24b 1 of the  screwcams  23b, 24b, so that the second support 20b rotates relative to the center block 10. Thereby, the second support 20b rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the first support 20a.
Next, the first case 50a is further folded toward the second case 50b in the closing direction by 60 degrees.
Figs. 7A and 7B show the hinge structure 1 incorporated in the mobile terminal 100 in a closed state by 120 degrees in a side view (i.e., in a sectional view with respect to the reference line AA in Fig. 7B) and a rear view, respectively.
In the first and  second hinge units  20, 30, by further folding the first and  second cases  50a, 50b, the first and  second bases  30a, 30b connected to the first and  second cases  50a, 50b further rotate relative to the center block 10, respectively. In conjunction with rotations of the first and  second bases  30a, 30b, the movable end of the first support 20a supported by the first base 30a further slides in the rear-lower manner in the first base 30a, where the pin 18a provided at the movable end is guided in the slide hole 32a 0, and the first support 20a further rotates relative to the center block 10,  while the movable end of the second support 20b supported by the second base 30b further slides in the front-lower manner in the second base 30b, where the pin 18b provided at the movable end is guided in the slide hole 32b 0, and the second support 20b further rotates with respect to the center block 10. Thereby, the first and  second supports  20a, 20b further descend in the first and  second bases  30a, 30b and the center of the screen 99 further rises from the supporting surfaces of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b and the upper surface of the center block 10 to bend.
In the  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b, the free stop function is realized and the first and  second supports  20a, 20b are fixed relative to the center block 10 in the rotational direction.
In the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c, as the first support 20a further rotates relative to the center block 10, the  screwcams  23a, 24a rotate, the  followers  47a, 48a are guided in the  groove portions  23a 1, 24a 1 to further move the following  members  47, 48 to the right, the  followers  47b, 48b accordingly rotate the  groove portions  23b 1, 24b 1 of the  screwcams  23b, 24b, so that the second support 20b further rotates relative to the center block 10. Thereby, the second support 20b rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the first support 20a.
Finally, by further folding the first case 50a toward the second case 50b in the closing direction by 60 degrees, the mobile terminal 100, i.e. the hinge structure 1, is folded.
Figs. 8A and 8B show the hinge structure 1 incorporated in the mobile terminal 100 in the closed state in a side view (i.e., in a sectional view with respect to the reference line AA in Fig. 8B) and a rear view, respectively.
In the first and  second hinge units  20, 30, by further folding the first and  second cases  50a, 50b, the first and  second bases  30a, 30b connected to the first and  second cases  50a, 50b further rotate relative to the center block 10, respectively. Thereby, the center of the screen 99 bends in a U-shape and front and rear halves are folded over.
In conjunction with rotations of the first and  second bases  30a, 30b, the movable end of the first support 20a supported by the first base 30a further slides in the rear-lower manner in the first base 30a, where the pin 18a provided at the movable end is guided in the slide hole 32a 0, and the first support 20a further rotates relative to the center block 10, while the movable end of the second support 20b supported by the second base 30b further slides in the front-lower manner in the second base 30b, where the pin 18b provided at the movable end is guided in the slide hole 32b 0, and the second support 20b further rotates relative to the center block 10. Thereby, spaces are formed in the first and  second bases  30a, 30b and the center of the screen 99 bended in a U-shape is accommodated in the spaces.
In the  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b, the suction function is realized, and the first and  second supports  20a, 20b rotate relative to the center block 10 in the closing direction such that the locking  portions  45a, 45b of the movable member 45 engage with the  cam structures  24a 0, 24b 0 of the  screwcams  24a, 24b, respectively, and the  locking portions  46a, 46b of the movable member 46 engage with the  cam structures  22a 0, 22b 0 of the  cams  22a, 22b, respectively. Furthermore, the  cam structures  21a 0, 21b 0 of the  cams  21a, 21b are locked by the locking  portions  43a, 43b of the movable member 43, respectively, the  cam structures  23a 0, 23b 0 of the  screwcams  23a, 23b are locked by the locking portions 44a, 44b of the movable member 44, respectively, the  cam structures  24a 0, 24b 0 of the  screwcams  24a, 24b are locked by the locking  portions  45a, 45b of the  movable member 45, respectively, and the  cam structures  22a 0, 22b 0 of the  cams  22a, 22b are locked by the locking  portions  46a, 46b of the movable member 46, respectively. Thereby, the first and  second supports  20a, 20b are positioned at the closed state.
In the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c, as the first support 20a further rotates relative to the center block 10, the  screwcams  23a, 24a rotate, the  followers  47a, 48a are guided in the  groove portions  23a 1, 24a 1 to further move the following  members  47, 48 to the right side, the  followers  47b, 48b accordingly rotate the  groove portions  23b 1, 24b 1 of the  screwcams  23b, 24b, so that the second support 20b further rotates with respect to the center block 10. Thereby, the second support 20b rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the first support 20a.
The operation of opening the hinge structure 1 from the closed state to the open state can be described as the reverse operation to the closing operation described above.
As described above, a hinge structure 1 according to the present embodiment includes a center block 10, a first hinge unit 20 including a first support 20a rotatably connected at the front side of the center block 10 and a second support 20b rotatably connected at the rear side of the center block 10, and a second hinge unit 30 including a first base 30a rotatably connected to the center of the center block 10 and slidably supporting a movable end of the first support 20a and a second base 30b rotatably connected to the center of the center block 10 and slidably supporting a movable end of the second support 20b. When the first and  second bases  30a, 30b rotate relative to the center block 10 to open and close the second hinge unit 30, the rotation of the first and  second bases  30a, 30b is transmitted to the first and  second supports  20a, 20b so that the movable ends of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b slide relative to the first and  second bases  30a, 30b, respectively, while the first and  second supports  20a, 20b rotate  relative to the center block 10 to open and close the first hinge unit 20. At this time, since the rotation axes 19a, 19b of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b are located outside of the rotation axes 9a, 9b of the first and  second bases  30a, 30b with respect to the vertical direction, a space for accommodating a flexible screen can be formed inside of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b and the center block 10, when the first hinge unit 20 is closed.
Moreover, the hinge structure 1 according to the present embodiment employs a double hinge structure that opens and closes relative to the center block 10 by interlocked motions of the first and  second hinge units  20, 30. Thereby, it is possible to configure a hinge structure that forms one surface supporting the screen 99 in the open state and forms a space to accommodate and protect the bended screen 99 in the closed state by using a small number of parts. Moreover, the small number of parts enables the hinge structure 1 to reduce the cumulative tolerance of positional deviations among parts due to opening and closing of the hinge structure 1 and to accurately open and close.
Moreover, the mobile terminal 100 according to the present embodiment comprises a hinge structure 1, first and  second cases  50a, 50b connected to the first and  second bases  30a, 30b, respectively, and a screen 99 supported by the first and  second cases  50a, 50b extending across the hinge structure 1. When the mobile terminal 100 opens, the upper surfaces of the  step portions  52a, 52b of the first and  second cases  50a, 50b and the upper surface of the hinge structure 1 form a flush supporting surface and the screen 99 is supported on the supporting surface. When the mobile terminal 100 closes, the first and  second bases  30a, 30b (i.e., the second hinge unit 30) to which the first and  second cases  50a, 50b respectively connect are closed, following this, the first  and  second supports  20a, 20b (i.e., the first hinge unit 20) supported by the first and  second bases  30a, 30b, respectively, slide rearward in the first and  second bases  30a, 30b and close so that the first and  second supports  20a, 20b and the center block 10 form a space inside thereof and accommodate and protect the screen 99 in a bended state in the space.
It should be noted that the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c in the hinge structure 1 according to the present embodiment may be further configured to generate torque such that the first and  second supports  20a, 20b of the first hinge unit 20 rotate relative to the center block 10.
Figs. 9A and 9B show a configuration of a synchronous rotation mechanism 140c according to a variation, where Fig. 9A shows a synchronous rotation mechanism 140c in the open state in a rear view and Fig. 9B shows a synchronous rotation mechanism 140c in the closed state in a rear view. A screwcam 124a in which a spiral groove portion 124a 1 in the direction opposite to the groove portion 23a 1 of the screwcam 23a (i.e., a cam with the similar shape as the screwcam 23b) is formed is used instead of the screwcam 24a of the first support 20a described above. A screwcam 124b (i.e., a cam with the similar shape as the screwcam 23a) in which a spiral groove portion 124b 1 in the direction opposite to the groove portion 23b 1 of the screwcam 23b is formed is used instead of the screwcam 24b of the second support 20b described above. Furthermore, a following member 148 supported by the center block 10 movably in the horizontal direction and formed with two  followers  148a, 148b respectively inserted into the  grooves  124a 1, 124b 1 of the two  alternative screwcams  124 a, 124 b is used instead of the following member 48 (i.e., the following member 48 is reversed in the horizontal direction) . Additionally, two biasing members 42 are arranged between the following  members  47, 148.
In the synchronous rotation mechanism 140c configured as described above, the two following  members  47, 148 are biased to be separated away from each other by the biasing members 42, the  screwcams  23a, 124a are rotated by the movement of the following  members  47, 148 in such a direction that the  groove portions  23a 1, 124a 1 are separated, and the  screwcams  23b, 124b are rotated in such a direction that the  groove portions  23b 1, 124b 1 are separated. In this manner, the hinge structure 1 can be closed against the elastic force of the screen 99 (i.e., the opening force accompanied therewith) by generating torque in such a direction that the first and  second supports  20a, 20b are closed relative to the center block 10.
It should be noted that contrary to the configuration of the synchronous rotation mechanism 140c according to the above variation, the  groove portions  23a 1, 24a 1 of the  screwcams  23a, 24a may be formed to be separated away from each other in such a direction that the first support 20a is opened, the  groove portions  23b 1, 24b 1 of the  screwcams  23b, 24b may be formed to be separated away from each other in such a direction that the second support 20b is opened, the following  members  47, 48 may be arranged according to the orientations of those groove portions, and the two biasing members 42 may be arranged between the following  members  47 and 48. Thereby, it is possible to generate torque in such a direction that the first and  second supports  20a, 20b are opened relative to the center block 10.
It should be noted that a torque mechanism (as one example of a biasing structure) 130c according to a variation may be employed together with or instead of the  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b of the hinge structure 1 according to the present embodiment.
Figs. 10A and 10B show a configuration of a torque mechanism 130c according to a variation in a side view, where Fig. 10A shows the torque mechanism 130c in the open state and Fig. 10B shows the torque mechanism 130c in the closed state. The torque mechanism 130c is provided in the first and  second bases  30a, 30b of the second hinge unit 30 and includes  sliders  131a, 131b and biasing  members  132a, 132b. It should be noted that the side of the movable ends is formed thicker than the side of the rotation axes 19a, 19b and the lower end portion is chamfered, so that the first and  second supports  20a, 20b receive the slopes of the  sliders  131a, 131b, respectively, and slide in the rear-lower manner in the first base 30a and the front-lower manner in the second base 30b, respectively.
The  sliders  131a, 131b are block bodies that slide in the vertical direction in the first and  second bases  30a, 30b and move the movable ends of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b to the rear side and the front side, respectively. As one example, the  sliders  131a, 131b have slopes inclined with an angle equal to the inclination of the  slide holes  32a 0, 32b 0 but with a larger angle at their upper and lower ends, and are disposed in the first and  second bases  30a, 30b, respectively, such that the slopes contact with the lower portions of the movable ends of the first and  second supports  20a, 20b.
The biasing  members  132a, 132b are to bias the  sliders  131a, 131b in the vertical direction and springs may be employed as one example. The biasing  members  132a, 132b are arranged in the first and  second bases  30a, 30b between fixed ends in the first and  second bases  30a, 30b (not shown) and the rear ends of the  sliders  131a, 131b.
In the torque mechanism 130c configured as described above, the biasing member 132a biases the slider 131a rearward in the first base 30a. Accordingly, in the open state shown in Fig. 10A, the upper end of the slider 131a pushes up the movable  end of the first support 20a in the first base 30a so that the first support 20a rotates to open. In the closed state shown in Fig. 10B, the lower end of the slider 131a pushes down the movable end of the first support 20a in the first base 30a so that the first support 20a rotates to close. In states between the open and closed states, the slope of the slider 131a biases the movable end of the first support 20a rearward in the first base 30a so that the frictional force between the slope and the movable end realizes a free stop function to position the first support 20a in the rotational direction. Similarly, the biasing member 132b biases the slider 131b frontward in the second base 30b. Accordingly, in the open state shown in Fig. 10A, the upper end of the slider 131b pushes up the movable end of the second support 20b in the second base 30b so that the second support 20b rotates to open. In the closed state shown in Fig. 10B, the lower end of the slider 131b pushes down the movable end of the second support 20b in the second base 30b so that the second support 20b rotates to close. In states between the open and closed states, the slope of the slider 131b biases the movable end of the second support 20b frontward in the second base 30b so that the frictional force between the slope and the movable end realizes a free stop function to position the second support 20b in the rotational direction.
It should be noted that in the hinge structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the  torque mechanisms  40a, 40b and the synchronous rotation mechanism 40c are configured symmetrically on the left and right sides in the hinge structure 1, but only one set of torque mechanisms and a synchronous rotation mechanism may be configured in the hinge structure 1 or three or more sets of torque mechanisms and a synchronous rotation mechanism may be configured in the hinge structure 1.
It should be noted that the hinge structure 1 according to the present  embodiment may be used not only in the mobile terminal 100, but also in any types of openable products.
While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the technical scope of the invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. It is apparent to persons skilled in the art that various alterations and improvements can be added to the above-described embodiments. It is also apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such alterations or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the invention.
The operations, procedures, steps, and stages of each process performed by an apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, embodiments, or diagrams can be performed in any order as long as the order is not indicated by "prior to, " "before, " or the like and as long as the output from a previous process is not used in a later process. Even if the process flow is described using phrases such as "first" or "next" in the claims, embodiments, or diagrams, it does not necessarily mean that the process must be performed in this order.

Claims (17)

  1. A hinge structure comprising:
    a center block;
    a first hinge unit including
    a first support rotatably connected at a first rotation axis provided at one side of the center block in a first direction, the first rotation axis oriented toward a second direction intersecting the first direction, and
    a second support rotatably connected at a second rotation axis provided at the other side of the center block in the first direction, the second rotation axis oriented toward the second direction; and
    a second hinge unit including
    a first base rotatably connected to the center block at a third rotation axis located between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis with respect to the first direction, the first base slidably supporting a movable end of the first support and
    a second base rotatably connected to the center block at a fourth rotation axis located between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis with respect to the first direction, the second base slidably supporting a movable end of the second support.
  2. The hinge structure according to claim 1, wherein ends of the first support along the first rotation axis and ends of the second support along the second rotation axis are located between ends of the first base along the third rotation axis and ends of the second base along the fourth rotation axis with respect to the second direction.
  3. The hinge structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first base and the second base have guide structures to guide movement of the movable ends of the first support and the second support in a thickness direction, the thickness direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.
  4. The hinge structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first support and the second support have supporting surfaces to form one surface with an upper surface of the center block at the open state of the first hinge unit.
  5. The hinge structure according to claim 4, wherein the first base and the second base have supporting surfaces to form one surface with the supporting surfaces of the first support and the second support and the upper surface of the center block at the open state of the first hinge unit.
  6. The hinge structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first base and the second base have biasing structures to bias the movable ends of the first support and the second support in the first direction.
  7. The hinge structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
    the first support has at least one first cam structure around the first rotation axis and the second support has at least one second cam structure around the second rotation axis, and
    the hinge structure further comprises a torque mechanism including at least  one movable member having a first locking portion and a second locking portion to lock the first cam structure and the second cam structure, respectively, at the open state and the closed state of the first hinge unit.
  8. The hinge structure according to claim 7, wherein
    the movable member is supported movably in the second direction by the center block, and
    the torque mechanism further includes a biasing member to bias the movable member.
  9. The hinge structure according to claim 8, wherein
    the first support has at least two of the first cam structures and the second support has at least two of the second cam structures,
    the torque mechanism includes at least two of the movable members, and the biasing member is arranged between the two movable members.
  10. The hinge structure according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a guide to support the movable member movably in the second direction on a lower-surface side of the center block.
  11. The hinge structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein
    the first support and the second support further have at least one third cam structure and at least one fourth cam structure that have spiral grooves opposite to each other with respect to the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, and
    the hinge structure further comprises a synchronous rotation mechanism including a following member supported movably in the second direction by the center block and formed with two followers inserted into grooves of the third cam structure and the fourth cam structure, respectively.
  12. The hinge structure according to claim 11, wherein
    the first support further has at least one fifth cam structure formed with a spiral groove opposite to the groove of the third cam structure,
    the second support further has at least one sixth cam structure formed with a spiral groove opposite to the groove of the fourth cam structure, and
    the synchronous rotation mechanism is supported movably in the second direction by the center block and further includes another following member formed with two followers inserted into grooves of the fifth cam structure, respectively, and the sixth cam structure and a biasing member arranged between the other following member and the following member.
  13. The hinge structure according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a guide to support the following member movably in the second direction on a lower-surface side of the center block.
  14. A mobile terminal comprising:
    a hinge structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13;
    a first case and a second case connected to the first base and the second base, respectively; and
    a flexible screen supported on the first case and the second case across the hinge structure.
  15. The mobile terminal according to claim 14, wherein the first case and the second case have edges that interfere with each other at the open state of the hinge structure.
  16. The mobile terminal according to claim 14 or 15, wherein
    the center block has a first protrusion and a second protrusion formed on both sides with respect to the first direction and
    the first case and the second case have a first groove and a second groove to movably receive, respectively, the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the center block, respectively.
  17. The mobile terminal according to claim 16, wherein the first groove and the second groove include ends that interfere with the first protrusion and the second protrusion, respectively, at the open state of the hinge structure.
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CN112855741A (en) * 2020-12-31 2021-05-28 维沃移动通信有限公司 Folding mechanism and electronic equipment
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WO2023124458A1 (en) * 2021-12-31 2023-07-06 Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 Rotating shaft assembly and electronic device
EP4361764A1 (en) * 2022-10-28 2024-05-01 Intel Corporation Hinge for a foldable electronic device and related methods
WO2024088155A1 (en) * 2022-10-26 2024-05-02 维沃移动通信有限公司 Hinge assembly and electronic device
EP4311208A4 (en) * 2021-03-19 2024-08-28 Vivo Mobile Communication Co Ltd Folding mechanism, support structure and electronic device
EP4286986A4 (en) * 2022-01-18 2024-09-11 Honor Device Co Ltd Rotating shaft mechanism, support device and folding screen apparatus

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WO2022093229A1 (en) * 2020-10-29 2022-05-05 Google Llc Water drop-type hinge in a computing device having a flexible display
CN112855741A (en) * 2020-12-31 2021-05-28 维沃移动通信有限公司 Folding mechanism and electronic equipment
EP4311208A4 (en) * 2021-03-19 2024-08-28 Vivo Mobile Communication Co Ltd Folding mechanism, support structure and electronic device
WO2023124458A1 (en) * 2021-12-31 2023-07-06 Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 Rotating shaft assembly and electronic device
EP4286986A4 (en) * 2022-01-18 2024-09-11 Honor Device Co Ltd Rotating shaft mechanism, support device and folding screen apparatus
CN115397157A (en) * 2022-08-29 2022-11-25 维沃移动通信有限公司 Electronic device
WO2024088155A1 (en) * 2022-10-26 2024-05-02 维沃移动通信有限公司 Hinge assembly and electronic device
EP4361764A1 (en) * 2022-10-28 2024-05-01 Intel Corporation Hinge for a foldable electronic device and related methods

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