WO2024025044A1

WO2024025044A1 - Hinge device for foldable device

Info

Publication number: WO2024025044A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/018327
Authority: WO
Inventors: 윤태중; 이정현
Original assignee: 윤태중; 이정현
Priority date: 2022-07-25
Filing date: 2022-11-18
Publication date: 2024-02-01
Also published as: KR102658378B1; KR20240014395A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hinge device for a foldable device and, more specifically, to a hinge device for a foldable device, wherein the hinge device: can maximize an available space at a time of folding while supporting a flexible display on a single plane at a time of unfolding, thereby preventing damage to the flexible display; can stably support the display on a single plane at a time of unfolding while maximizing the available space at a time of folding due to a minimum configuration; can rotate a first device and a second device symmetrically even without a separate configuration for synchronization; can be configured as a case-integrated type hinge device without being coupled to the first device and the second device; and can fundamentally block foreign substances introduced in a process of folding or unfolding.

Description

Hinge device for foldable devices

The present invention relates to a hinge device mounted on a folded or unfolded portion of a foldable device. More specifically, a foldable device is a device that folds and unfolds by applying a flexible display, and a hinge device that can be folded is provided in the center of the foldable device. The present invention relates to a hinge device that can stably support a display by maintaining a flat state when unfolded while securing free space to maximize the radius of curvature of the folded portion when folded.

Recently, curved displays have become popular, and displays with a curved surface are being released instead of conventional flat displays. In addition, displays that can be folded or unfolded like foldable devices are being mass-produced.

A foldable device is basically a device with a flexible display panel. Instead of the display panel being formed on a hard substrate such as a glass substrate like conventional LCDs and OELDs, the display panel is formed on a flexible substrate so that images can be displayed even when bent. It is a device that can

Since these foldable devices are devices that bend or fold, the folded part is more likely to be damaged than the non-folded part, and when unfolded, it must be able to maintain the same flatness as an FPD.

However, the conventional FPD does not basically assume folding, so there is no folding structure. An example of a typical hinge is a hinge. If a hinge that simply folds or unfolds is applied directly to a flexible substrate such as a foldable display, the radius of curvature when folded is too small, causing damage to the display of the foldable device. There is a problem that cannot be applied.

To solve this problem, a hinge device for a conventional foldable display device is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1875855, and Patent No. 855 includes a flexible panel as a first body, a second body, a first support, and a second body. It is supported through two supports, and the first body and the second body are foldable and connected through a hinge member. When folded, the radius of curvature of the flexible panel is maintained to a certain extent, and when unfolded, the first support and second body are connected to each other in a foldable manner. A hinge device that supports a display through two supports is disclosed. However, the first body and the second body are coupled through a separate hinge member with two rotation axes, and when folded, the radius of curvature of the flexible display extends from the first and second bodies to the first and second supports. Since it is formed within the space created, there is a limit to increasing the radius of curvature of the display when folded. In addition, since there is a gap at the part where the first support and the second support meet, when folding/unfolding is repeated, fold marks are bound to occur at the folded part of the flexible panel, and when unfolding, the panel is kept on a perfect plane. There is a problem that cannot be supported. In addition, since there are many essential components included in the hinge device, the operation is complicated and there are multiple rotation axes, so there is a possibility that the left and right bodies of the hinge device operate separately. Additionally, in order to prevent this problem, a separate synchronization configuration is required, and durability is reduced as the first and second bodies rotate to their respective rotation centers.

The present invention is intended to solve the problems described above. When unfolding, the flexible display can be supported on a single plane while maximizing the free space when folded, preventing damage to the flexible display, and folding with minimal configuration. The display can be stably supported on a single plane when unfolded while maximizing free space when unfolding. The first and second devices can be rotated symmetrically without separate configuration for synchronization, and the first and second devices can be rotated symmetrically. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a hinge device for a foldable device that can be configured as a case-integrated hinge device without being coupled to a case, and can prevent foreign substances from entering during the folding or unfolding process.

In order to achieve the above object, the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention is a hinge device provided at the folding/unfolding portion of a foldable device including a first device and a second device, the hinge device of the first device A first pivot portion formed on one side, a second pivot portion formed on one side of the second device, a first link portion rotatably connected to the first pivot portion and the second pivot portion, and the first link A first connection part including two or more link parts foldably connected to one end of the unit and the first device, a second link part rotatably connected to the second pivot part and the first pivot part, and the second link part and a second connection part including two or more link parts foldably connected to one end of the second device, wherein the first link part and the second link part are arranged to engage with each other between the first device and the second device, and When folded, a single surface is formed to support the display included in the foldable device.

In addition, a first bending hole is formed in the first link portion at the portion where the second link portion is connected to the first pivot portion, and a second bending hole is formed in the second link portion at the portion where the first link portion is connected to the second pivot portion. It is characterized by the formation of a hole.

In addition, the first bending hole and the second bending hole are characterized in that they have a curved shape similar to the rotation trajectory of the first link part and the second link part.

In addition, the first connection unit has one end pivotably connected to the first device, the other end is made of a third link unit foldably connected to the first link unit, and the second connection unit has one end pivotably connected to the second device. It is connectable, and the other end is characterized by a fourth link portion foldably connected to the second link portion.

In addition, the shape of each contact surface of the first link portion, third link portion, second link portion, and fourth link portion is such that rotation is possible only in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction when folded or unfolded. It is characterized by having a shape that engages in a tapered state with a constant inclination.

In addition, the third link portion and the fourth link portion are pivotally connected through a first pivot connection portion and a second pivot connection portion provided at the lower portion of the first device and the second device, and the third link portion and the fourth link portion On one side of the upper part, a first extension part and a second extension part are formed to support the display included in the foldable device between the first device and the third link part and between the second device and the fourth link part when folding/unfolding. It is characterized by

In addition, the first connection unit further includes a fifth link unit rotatably connecting the first link unit and the third link unit between the first link unit and the third link unit, and the second connection unit is connected to the second link unit. It further includes a sixth link unit that rotatably connects the second link unit and the fourth link unit between the fourth link units.

In addition, a first reverse rotation prevention part extending below the first link part or the third link part is formed at one end or both ends of the fifth link part, and a second link part or a second link part is formed at one end or both ends of the sixth link part. A second reverse rotation prevention part is formed extending to the lower part of the 4-link part, and the first reverse rotation prevention part and the second reverse rotation prevention part form a single plane when unfolded, and are included in the foldable device during the folding or unfolding process. It is characterized by moving only to the lower part of the display.

In addition, long holes having a constant length in the horizontal direction are formed in the first link part and the second link part, and a third link part or fifth link part coupled to the first link part, and a third link part coupled to the second link part. The 4th link part or the 6th link part is characterized by being rotatably coupled through a pin inserted through the long hole part.

In addition, a third reverse rotation prevention part extending below the third link part is formed on the first link part, and a fourth reverse rotation prevention part extending below the fourth link part is formed on the second link part, The third reverse rotation prevention unit and the fourth reverse rotation prevention unit are characterized in that they prevent the third link unit and the fourth link unit from rotating clockwise or counterclockwise after being unfolded.

In the present invention configured as described above, the flexible panel forms a maximum radius of curvature when the foldable device is folded and can be stably supported while maintaining a perfect single plane when unfolded.

Additionally, both devices of the foldable device can be rotated in a linked state without separate configuration for synchronization.

In addition, it has the durability to be applied to large-sized foldable devices through the link structure and pivot portion that are directly connected to the foldable device.

In addition, the inflow of foreign substances into the rear of the display can be fundamentally blocked through the hinge device during the folding or unfolding process.

1 is a perspective view of a hinge device for a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of a hinge device for a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention when folded;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view during folding/unfolding of the second embodiment of the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view during folding/unfolding of the third embodiment of the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view during folding/unfolding of the fourth embodiment of the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a link portion showing an example of a configuration for preventing reverse rotation in the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a hinge device for a foldable device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hinge device for a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is an exploded view of a hinge device for a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a foldable device of the present invention. It is a cross-sectional view of the hinge device for a device, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view when the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention is folded, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view when folding/unfolding the second embodiment of the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention. , FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view when folding/unfolding the third embodiment of the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view when folding/unfolding the fourth embodiment of the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention. , Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a link portion showing an example of a configuration for preventing reverse rotation in the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention.

A foldable device includes a flexible display, and when unfolded, the display must be supported so that it remains flat. When folded, the display must be supported so that the radius of curvature of the folded part is maximized so that the display does not become sharp. There is a need to secure. However, the conventional hinge device does not have a support structure in the center when unfolding, so wrinkles occur in the flexible display, and there is a limit to maximizing the radius of curvature of the display when folding. In addition, not only is the hinge device configured in a complex manner, but the left and right bodies are coupled to the hinge device around the hinge device, so the left and right bodies move separately or a separate configuration is required to synchronize the rotation of the left and right bodies, so the configuration of the hinge device is complicated. There is a problem with termination.

The hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention is intended to solve this problem, and is designed to provide folding/unfolding of a foldable device including a first device 10 and a second device 20 provided on both sides around the folding area. In the hinge device provided at the portion where the first device 10 and the second device 20 come into contact, a first pivot portion 140, a second pivot portion 240, and a first pivot portion are provided, respectively. A first link unit 110 rotatably connected to the unit 140 and the second pivot unit 240, and two or more foldable units connected to one end of the first link unit 110 and the first device 10. A first connection portion 100 including a link portion, a second pivot portion 240, a second link portion 210 pivotably connected to the first pivot portion 140, a second link portion 210, and a second pivot portion 210. It includes a second connection part 200 including two or more link parts foldably connected to the second device 20, where the first link part 110 and the second link part 210 are connected to the first device 10. ) and the second device 20 are arranged to engage each other, and form a single surface when unfolded to support the display included in the foldable device.

The first connection part 100 of the present invention has a certain range in the first pivot part 140 provided on one side of the first device 10 and the second pivot part 240 provided on one side of the second device 20. The first link portion 110 and the first link portion 110, which are rotatably connected within, are foldable through the first link connection portion 115 of one end and the first pivot connection portion 15 of the first device 10. It includes two or more link parts that are connected to each other. Similarly, the second connection portion 200 is rotatably connected to the second pivot portion 240 provided in the second device 20 and the first pivot portion 140 provided in the first device 10 within a certain range. The second link portion 210 and the second link portion 210 include two or more link portions that are foldably connected through a set of second link connectors 215 and a second pivot connector 25 of the second device 20. It is done including. In the illustrated embodiment, each connection part is composed of three link parts, but it may be composed of four or more link parts as long as durability and a flat support structure when unfolded can be secured. In addition, each connection part can be composed of two link parts, but there is a disadvantage in that the radius of curvature formed when folding is small, but there is an advantage in terms of durability and simple construction. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connection part 100 of the present invention is composed of a first link part 110, a third link part 120, and a fifth link part 130 in the order of combination, and the second connection part is It consists of a second link unit 210, a fourth link unit 220, and a sixth link unit 230.

The first link unit 110 included in the first connection unit 100 and the second link unit 210 included in the second connection unit 200 of the present invention are the first device 10 and the second device 20, respectively. ) is prepared over a period of time. Therefore, the first link unit 110 and the second link unit 210 overlap in an engaged shape between the first device 10 and the second device 20, and the overlapped portion forms a single surface, thereby leaving the display empty. You can support it without it.

The coupling relationship between the first connection unit 100, the second connection unit 200, the first device 10, and the second device 20 of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The first link portion 110 of the present invention rotates on the first pivot portion 140 provided on one side of the first device 10 and the second pivot portion 240 provided on one side of the second device 20. Possibly connected. Similarly, the second link portion 210 is also rotatably connected to the second pivot portion 240 and the first pivot portion 140. According to this arrangement, as described above, the first link unit 110 and the second link unit 210 are arranged to be engaged with each other between the first device 10 and the second device 20. Both the first link part 110 and the second link part 210 are coupled to the first pivot part 140 and the second pivot part 240, and since they are coupled to each other, the second link part 210 is the first link part 210. A portion coupled to the pivot portion 140 is located within the first link portion 110. Therefore, in order for the first link part 110 to rotate during the folding/unfolding process, a first bending hole 150 is provided in the first link part 110, and the location and shape of the first bending hole 150 are similar to those of the second bending hole 150. It is preferable that the link unit 210 has a shape that includes the position at which the link unit 210 is coupled to the first pivot unit 140 and the rotation trajectory of the first link unit 110. Similarly, a second bending hole 250 is provided in the second link portion 210 at a location where the first link portion 110 is coupled to the second pivot portion 240. In FIG. 2, the connection between the first link unit 110 and the first device 10 and the second device 20 is indicated in red, and the connection between the second link unit 210 and the second device 20 is indicated in blue. Although the coupling positions of the first link part 110 and the second link part 210, which are coupled to the first pivot part 140 and the second pivot part 240, are located parallel to each other in the vertical direction, the thickness of the device, the first The arrangement of the coupling positions may vary as shown in FIG. 7 depending on various factors such as the separation distance between the device 10 and the second device 20 and the shape of the first and

second link parts

110 and 210. Of course. Even if the arrangement of the coupling positions is different, the first link part 110 and the second link part 210 must form a single surface to support the display when unfolded. Of course, the shapes of the first link part 110 and the second link part 210 may vary depending on the arrangement of the coupling positions.

The first bending hole 150 and the second bending hole 250 are preferably provided in a curved shape according to the rotation trajectory because the first link part 110 and the second link part 210 must rotate smoothly. Of course, the first and second bending holes 150 and 250 can be formed as one large hole containing a rotation trajectory, but in terms of improving the durability of the hinge device, it is preferable to provide them in a curved shape that matches the rotation trajectory.

The third link part 120 and the fourth link part 220 are respectively coupled to the first pivot connection part 15 and the second pivot connection part 25, and the fifth link part 130 is connected to the first link part 110. ) and the third link unit 120, and the sixth link unit 230 is provided between the second link unit 210 and the fourth link unit 220. In order to firmly support the display located at the top in the unfolded situation, the third link part 120 is rotated clockwise around the first pivot connection part 15, and the fourth link part 220 is connected to the second pivot connection part. It is necessary to prevent counterclockwise rotation around (25). In addition, it is necessary to prevent the fifth link part 130 and the sixth link part 230 from moving downward. For this purpose, when the first connection part 100 and the second connection part 200 each consist of two link parts, the first link part 110 and the third link part 120, and the second link part 210 and the fourth link The unit 220 is rotated to be folded to the lower part of the display. The first link unit 110 and the second link unit 210 have a long lower surface, and on the contrary, the third link unit 120 and the fourth link unit ( If the upper surface of 220) has a long shape, it can only be rotated to the bottom when folded, but cannot be folded to the top of the display. Additionally, since it can be folded without any separation, the display can be supported without any gaps. In addition, when the first connection part 100 and the second connection part 200 each consist of three link parts, the lower part of the link part contacting one or both ends of the fifth link part 130 and the sixth link part 230, respectively. By providing a first reverse rotation prevention part 160 and a second reverse rotation prevention part 260 extending to , it is possible to prevent each link part from rising above the single surface formed during unfolding. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, a third reverse rotation prevention part 170 and a fourth reverse rotation prevention part 270 may be provided on the first link part 110 and the second link part 210. The above configuration for preventing reverse rotation has the effect of preventing each link part from moving up after forming a single surface and at the same time increasing durability by increasing the bonding force of each link part.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. The hinge device of the present invention needs to secure free space in order to maintain the maximum radius of curvature of the display when the first connection part 100 and the second connection part 200 are folded, and for this purpose, the first connection part of the present invention ( It is preferable that the length of the display located on the upper part of the first connection part 100 and the second connection part 200 be greater than the length of the outer portion of the first connection part 100 and the second connection part 200 when folded. For this purpose, in Figure 5, the first pivot connection portion 15 and the second pivot connection portion 25 are provided on the lower surfaces of the first device 10 and the second device 20, and the third link portion 120 and the fourth link A first extension part 190 and a second extension part 290 are provided on one upper side of the part 220 to naturally induce the curvature of the display when folded and to support the display even during the folding and unfolding process to improve durability. It can be strengthened.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention. For the above purpose, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the first long hole part 180 is formed in the fifth link part 130, and the second long hole part 280 is formed in the sixth link part 230. The length of the display located on the upper part of the first connection part 100 and the second connection part 200 is induced to be greater than the length of the outer portion of the first connection part 100 and the second connection part 200 when folded. Of course, pins that serve as protrusions coupled to the first and second

long hole portions

180 and 280 are inserted into the third link portion 120 and the fourth link portion 220.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, the third link portion 120 is formed without any coupling between the third link portion 120 and the fifth link portion 130 or between the fourth link portion 220 and the sixth link portion 230. ) and the fourth link part 220 is an embodiment in which an elastic part is inserted so that the elastic part basically moves downward and is configured to move upward by the fifth link part 130 and the sixth link part 230 when unfolded. This provides a high degree of freedom and simple configuration, but has the disadvantage of low durability.

Claims

In the hinge device provided at the folding/unfolding portion of the foldable device including the first device and the second device,

A first pivot portion formed on one side of the first device,

A second pivot portion formed on one side of the second device,

A first connection part including a first link part rotatably connected to the first pivot part and the second pivot part and two or more link parts foldably connected to one end of the first link part and the first device,

A second connection unit including a second link unit rotatably connected to the second pivot unit and the first pivot unit, and two or more link units foldably connected to one end of the second link unit and the second device, ,

The first link portion and the second link portion are arranged to engage each other between the first device and the second device, and form a single surface when unfolded to support the display included in the foldable device. Hinge device.
In claim 1,

A first bending hole is formed in the first link portion at a portion where the second link portion is connected to the first pivot portion, and a second bending hole is formed in the second link portion at a portion where the first link portion is connected to the second pivot portion. A hinge device for a foldable device, characterized in that it is formed.
In claim 2,

A hinge device for a foldable device, wherein the first bending hole and the second bending hole have a curved shape similar to the rotation trajectory of the first link portion and the second link portion.
In claim 1,

The first connection part has one end pivotably connected to the first device, and the other end consists of a third link part foldably connected to the first link part,

A hinge device for a foldable device, characterized in that the second connection part is comprised of a fourth link part that is pivotally connected to the second device at one end and a fourth link part that is foldably connected to the second link part at the other end.
In claim 4,

The shape of each contact surface of the first link part, the third link part, the second link part, and the fourth link part has a constant slope so that rotation is possible only in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction when folded or unfolded. A hinge device for a foldable device, characterized in that it has a shape that engages in a tapered state.
In claim 4,

The third link part and the fourth link part are pivotably connected through a first pivot connection part and a second pivot connection part provided at the lower part of the first device and the second device, and one upper side of the third link part and the fourth link part When folding/unfolding, a first extension part and a second extension part are formed between the first device and the third link part and between the second device and the fourth link part to support the display included in the foldable device. Hinge device for foldable devices.
In claim 4,

The first connection unit further includes a fifth link unit rotatably connecting the first link unit and the third link unit between the first link unit and the third link unit,

The second connection unit further includes a sixth link unit rotatably connecting the second link unit and the fourth link unit between the second link unit and the fourth link unit.
In claim 7,

A first reverse rotation prevention part extending below the first link part or the third link part is formed at one end or both ends of the fifth link part,

A second reverse rotation prevention portion extending below the second link portion or the fourth link portion is formed at one or both ends of the sixth link portion,

A hinge for a foldable device, wherein the first reverse rotation prevention unit and the second reverse rotation prevention unit form a single plane when unfolded, and move only to the bottom of the display included in the foldable device during the folding or unfolding process. Device.
In claim 4 or 7,

Long holes having a constant length in the horizontal direction are formed in the first link part and the second link part,

The third link part or fifth link part coupled to the first link part, and the fourth link part or sixth link part coupled to the second link part are characterized in that they are rotatably coupled through a pin inserted through the long hole part. Hinge device for foldable devices.
In claim 4,

A third reverse rotation prevention part extending below the third link part is formed on the first link part,

A fourth reverse rotation prevention portion extending to the lower part of the fourth link portion is formed on the second link portion,

A hinge device for a foldable device, wherein the third reverse rotation prevention unit and the fourth reverse rotation prevention unit prevent the third link unit and the fourth link unit from rotating clockwise or counterclockwise after being unfolded.