Folding monitor hinge

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to folding display hinges. In general, the present disclosure provides systems that include one or more hinges to allow a multi-screen display device to transition (or fold) between a fully open ("screen-out") configuration, a flat configuration, a fully closed configuration, and multiple intermediate angled configurations. The systems provided in the present disclosure may further allow screens in the "open" configuration to be advantageously positioned close to each other, thereby minimizing the gap between them. In addition, the systems and devices described herein may facilitate transitions between multiple orientations / configurations while beneficially minimizing user input.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to hinges for folding display devices. Background Art

[0002] Tablet computers are mature devices in today's homes, but may still be in their adolescence in terms of feature development. One area of ​​growing interest is in "folding" tablets. While the concept of folding displays is not particularly new, such displays have so far failed to break into the mainstream consumer space due to a variety of technical challenges. For example, display thickness, power consumption / battery size, bezel size, hinge design, and ruggedness all present obstacles to handheld folding devices with more than one screen. As a result, current examples of these devices typically have a significant gap between the viewing areas of their screens when in a tablet configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Features and advantages of various embodiments of the claimed subject matter will become apparent as the following detailed description proceeds and upon reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like components, and in which:

[0004] Figure 1 depicting side views of example hinge systems in multiple configurations according to embodiments described herein;

[0005] Figure 2A depicts a side view of an example hinge system consistent with at least one embodiment described herein;

[0006] Figure 2B depicts a side view of an example hinge system consistent with at least one embodiment described herein;

[0007] Figure 2C depicts a side view of an example hinge system consistent with at least one embodiment described herein;

[0008] Figure 2D depicts a side view of an example hinge system consistent with at least one embodiment described herein;

[0009] Figure 3 depicts a top-down view of an example hinge system consistent with at least one embodiment described herein;

[0010] Figure 4 depicts a side view of an example synchronized hinge system consistent with at least one embodiment described herein;

[0011] Figure 5 depicting a top-down view of an example device that may utilize one or more of the hinge systems consistent with at least one embodiment described herein;

[0012] Figure 6 is a high-level logical flow chart of an illustrative method of forming a hinge system consistent with at least one embodiment described herein; and

[0013] Figure 7 is a high-level logical flow diagram of an illustrative method of forming a folding display device by rotationally coupling a first electronics housing to a second electronics housing, consistent with at least one embodiment described herein.

[0014] Although the following detailed description will be made with reference to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In general, the present disclosure provides systems that include one or more hinges to allow a multi-screen display device to transition between a fully open ("screens out") configuration, a tablet configuration, a fully closed configuration, and multiple intermediate angled configurations. The systems provided in the present disclosure may further allow the screens in the "open" configuration to be advantageously positioned close to each other, thereby minimizing the gap between them. Additionally, the systems and devices described herein may facilitate transitions between multiple orientations / configurations with beneficially minimized user input.

[0016] For most hinged devices, the body of the hinge(s) is immovable relative to the device when the device is opened or closed. Therefore, two components of the device (e.g., an electronic housing including a screen, an input device such as a keyboard, etc.) are displaced from each other by at least a certain amount relative to the size of the hinge. However, the 360° hinge system described in the present disclosure includes a hinge and utilizes at least one recess, wherein the hinge is loaded into the recess when the device is in an "open" or "flat" configuration. In short, the two electronic housings of the device have recesses that are used to fit the body of the hinge into the recesses when the device is opened and flattened, thereby beneficially allowing the electronic housings to slide closer to each other regardless of the size of the hinge. When the device is folded, the recesses rotate away from each other and the body of the hinge can translate and / or rotate out.

[0017] Due to the design of the hinge(s), some modern systems require the user to manipulate the device's electronic housing in a specific pattern to adjust the configuration / angle. Beneficially, the systems and embodiments described herein can enable a user of the device to intuitively adjust the angle or configuration of the device by simply applying torque to the hinge system (e.g., by pressing / pulling the device's electronic housing in the direction the user wants to adjust it). The details of the hinges, recesses, and translation / rotation mechanisms that achieve this advantage are described in further detail below.

[0018] A hinge device is provided for pivotally coupling a first electronic housing of a folding display device to a second electronic housing. The hinge device may include: a hinge body; a first member, at least partially disposed in a first recess, the first recess being formed in the first electronic housing, the first member being pivotally coupled to the hinge body around a first rotation axis, the first member being biased along a first offset axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis; and a second member, at least partially disposed in a second recess, the second recess being formed in the second electronic housing, the second member being pivotally coupled to the hinge body around a second rotation axis, the second rotation axis being parallel to the first rotation axis, the second member being biased along a second offset axis perpendicular to the second rotation axis.

[0019] A foldable display device is provided. The foldable display device may include: a first electronic housing, including a first display and a first recess formed in the first electronic housing; a second electronic housing, including a second display and a second recess formed in the second electronic housing; and wherein the first electronic housing is rotationally coupled to the second electronic housing using at least one hinge system. The hinge system may include: a hinge body; a first member, at least partially disposed in a first recess, the first recess being formed in the first electronic housing, the first member being pivotally coupled to the hinge body around a first rotation axis, the first member being biased along a first offset axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis; and a second member, at least partially disposed in a second recess, the second recess being formed in the second electronic housing, the second member being pivotally coupled to the hinge body around a second rotation axis, the second rotation axis being parallel to the first rotation axis, the second member being biased along a second offset axis perpendicular to the second rotation axis.

[0020] A method of forming a foldable display device is provided. The method may include: forming a hinge system, wherein forming the hinge system may include: pivotally coupling a first member to a hinge body about a first rotation axis; biasing the first member along a first offset axis, the first offset axis being perpendicular to the first rotation axis; pivotally coupling a second member to the hinge body about a second rotation axis, the second rotation axis being parallel to the first rotation axis; and biasing the second member along a second offset axis, the second offset axis being perpendicular to the second rotation axis. The method may also include: forming a first recess in a first electronic housing; forming a second recess in a second electronic housing; and rotationally coupling the first housing to the second housing using the formed hinge system.

[0021] The terms "screen out" and "fully open" as used in the description of any embodiment or configuration herein are not used as limiting terms, but are merely used as illustrative terms to simplify the description of those embodiments or configurations. The terms may be replaced or interchanged without affecting the intended meaning or scope of the description of any embodiment. Similarly, the terms "flat" and "flat" as used in the description of any embodiment or configuration herein are not used as limiting terms, but are merely used as illustrative terms to simplify the description of those embodiments or configurations. These terms may also be replaced or interchanged without affecting the intended meaning or scope of the description of any embodiment. The terms "arm" and "member" as used in the description of any embodiment or configuration herein are not used as limiting terms, but are merely used as illustrative terms to simplify the description of those embodiments or configurations. These terms may also be replaced or interchanged without affecting the intended meaning or scope of the description of any embodiment.

[0022] Some of the drawings contain an XYZ compass to indicate a 3-dimensional coordinate system. This is included for purposes of clarity and explanation only; the depicted embodiments are not intended to be limited by the inclusion or use of such a coordinate system. Labels or directions may be replaced or interchanged without affecting the intended meaning or scope.

[0023] For simplicity purposes only, the terms "first" and "second" are similarly used herein as relative terms and can be replaced or interchanged without affecting the intended meaning or scope. For simplicity purposes only, the terms "height", "width", "length" and "depth" are similarly used herein as relative terms and can be replaced or interchanged without affecting the intended meaning or scope.

[0024] Figure 1 Depicted are side views of an example hinge system 102 in multiple configurations according to embodiments described herein. Figure 1 The configurations depicted in the drawings include a "closed" configuration 100A, an "angled" configuration 100B, and a "flat" configuration 100C. As a 360° hinge system, the hinge system 102 can be opened from the closed configuration 100A, through the flat configuration 100C and even further into the "fully open" configuration (not shown). Figure 1 ), as will be described in more detail below. In any of these or other configurations, the hinge system 102 can connect two electronic housings of the device (not shown in FIG. Figure 1 ), as will be described in more detail below.

[0025] Hinge system 102 includes several subcomponents, including body 104 ("housing" 104), hinges 108 and 108', members (or "arms") 112 and 112', and springs 116 and 116'. Note that several subcomponents of hinge system 102 may have corresponding subcomponents (e.g., spring 116 has corresponding spring 116'). The subcomponents and their counterparts may work similarly to each other, but are not necessarily identical.

[0026] The subcomponents of the hinge system 102 can be made of any of a variety of materials, including metals (stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), plastics, composite materials, etc. The subcomponents of the hinge system 102 can be manufactured using typical methods, including, for example, casting, grinding, metal injection molding (MIM), additive manufacturing ("3D printing"), etc. MIM is particularly advantageous in certain embodiments because it allows high tolerance manufacturing of small metal parts. Different subcomponents (including counterparts) can be made of different materials.

[0027] The dimensions of the subcomponents of the hinge system 102 can vary, but the dimensions of certain subcomponents may be interrelated, as will be discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the body width 124 of the hinge body (or "housing") 104 can be any of a plurality of values ​​from, for example, 15 mm to 30 mm or greater. In some embodiments, the body height 126 of the hinge body 104 is greater than or equal to the diameter 128 of the hinge 108. The diameter 128 of the hinge 108 can be any of a plurality of values ​​ranging from, for example, 5 mm or greater, 10 mm or greater, 12 mm or greater, 15 mm or greater, 30 mm or greater, etc. The springs 116 and 116' can be used to assist a user of the device (not in Figure 1 ) to manipulate the configuration or angle of the device.

[0028] The closed configuration 100A represents a state of the example hinge system 102 in which the device (not in Figure 1 ) is fully closed. Here, arms 112 and 112' are parallel and hinge body 104 has translated out of the recess, as will be discussed in more detail below. Obviously, in the closed configuration, spring 116 can be in a compressed state (i.e., spring length 136A is at a relatively minimum and spring displacement 138A is at a relatively maximum). Spring 116 can wrap around the track (in Figure 1 ) is positioned to keep it aligned along member 112.

[0029] Angled configuration 100B represents a state of the example hinge system 102, wherein the device is opened at an angle, such as angle 103B. Angle 103B may be, for example, 5 degrees or more, 12 degrees or more, 45 degrees or more, 80 degrees or more, etc. In some embodiments, hinges 108 and 108' may be friction hinges (including torque mechanisms (in Figure 1 The hinge 108 may be a hinge (not visible in the figure) that can generate torque using the circumferential friction between the chuck and the shaft of each hinge. This friction force can be applied to or transferred to member 112 and / or 112'. The friction hinge can be set to offset the torque generated by the spring force of springs 116 and 116', respectively, and the torque generated by the weight of the electronic housing of the device. For example, hinge 108 can have an internal torque setting of 0.5kg*cm or greater, 1.5kg*cm or greater, 2.5kg*cm or greater, 5kg*cm or greater, 10kg*cm, etc. In this way, the device can be advantageously maintained at an angled configuration, such as angle 103B of 100B, without any additional input from the user (e.g., without having to hold it in place manually, using a lock, etc.). In some embodiments, hinge system 102 is a synchronized hinge so that angle 103B is proportional to (and possibly equal to) angle 103'B. In other embodiments, hinge systems 102 are not synchronized, and therefore angles 103B and 103 ′B may not be directly related.

[0030] Depending in part on the torque settings of hinges 108 and 108', hinge system 102 can enable a user to manipulate the angle of the device relatively easily. In configuration 100B, spring 116 has been allowed to expand; that is, spring length 136B is greater than 136A of closed configuration 100A, while spring displacement 138B is less than 138A. The extent of expansion of spring 116 (and 116') can depend on the current angle of the device, e.g., 103B.

[0031] Tablet configuration 100C represents a state of the example hinge system 102, in which the device is opened to a flat state. In some embodiments in which both electronic housings of the device have screens, the tablet configuration can provide benefits, such as allowing a user to use and view both screens simultaneously, allowing the device to rest stationarily on a flat surface, etc. In this configuration, the hinge body 104 has been fully translated into the recessed portion of the electronic housing of the device (not in the Figure 1 ), as will be described in more detail below. This translation allows the hinge body 104 to fit within the device itself in a tablet configuration, which in turn advantageously allows the electronic housings of the device to slide closer to each other. This is particularly advantageous in embodiments where the two electronic housings of the device each have a screen, as it reduces the gap or "seam" between the screens.

[0032] Figure 2A Depicted is a side view of an example hinge system 202 consistent with at least one embodiment described herein. Figure 2A The example embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 additionally depicts device electronic housings 208 and 208', including screens / displays 204 and 204', and recesses 250 and 250'. Note that while electronic housings 208 and 208' and screens 204 and 204' are Figure 2A 2 and 3. Although shown as rectangular in FIG. 2, this is meant only as an example of one embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Electronic housings 208 and 208' and screens 204 and 204' may take any of a variety of shapes or other forms.

[0033] In some embodiments, electronic housings 208 and 208' may be components of a folding computing device or a folding display device, and may include subcomponents including, for example, a battery, a processor, memory, and the like. In some embodiments, only one electronic housing 208 includes screen 204, for example, where electronic housing 208 represents a "display portion" with screen 204 and electronic housing 208' represents a "keyboard portion" without screen 204'. In other embodiments, neither electronic housing 208 nor 208' includes a screen. Such a non-display device may include, for example, a folding keyboard, where electronic housings 208 and 208' each represent a portion (e.g., approximately half) of the keyboard. Hinge system 202 may be configured to be hinged to the user's computer. Figure 2A is shown in the closed configuration 200A, similar to Figure 1 Configuration 100A of hinge system 102 is depicted. When in the fully closed configuration, electronic housings 208 and 208' can have a gap between them (e.g., gap 252A between screens 204 and 204') in some embodiments. Gap 252A can be any of a plurality of values ​​including, for example, 0.1 mm or greater, 0.5 mm or greater, 1 mm or greater, 5 mm or greater, 10 mm or greater, etc. In other embodiments, there can be no gap (gap 252A can approach zero), i.e., electronic housings 208 and 208' or screens 204 and 204' can be in contact when the device is in a fully closed configuration (such as 200A). In some embodiments, recesses 250 and 250' can be cut out of storage areas 212 and 212', respectively. In the same or other embodiments, storage areas 212 and 212' can be partially or completely within electronic housings 208 and 208'. In the same or other embodiments, recesses 250 and 250' may simply be cutouts or cavities in electronic housings 208 and 208'.

[0034] As in Figure 2A2, the member 112 may extend through the recess 250 and into the electronics housing 208 in some embodiments. Thus, in some embodiments, the member 112 may be offset along an axis extending from the hinge 108 perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the member 112 about the hinge 108 into the electronics housing 208. Similarly, the member 112' may be offset along a different axis extending from the hinge 108' perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the member 112' about the hinge 108' into the electronics housing 208'. The electronics housing 208 may have a member cavity or cutout beneath the surface of the recess 212 to allow the member 112 to freely translate in and out of the electronics housing 208. The spring 116 may be partially or completely enclosed within the electronics housing 208. In embodiments where the recess 250 is cut out of the storage area 212, the storage area 212 may be made of any of a variety of materials, including, for example, metals, plastics, composite materials, etc. In the same or other embodiments, the surface of recess 250 may have one or more holes, channels, channels, or cutouts (in Figure 2A 244) to allow member 112 to translate as the angle of the device changes. The surface of recess 250 can have a back wall thickness 232 of, for example, 5 mm or more, 10 mm or more, 20 mm or more, etc. In some embodiments, spring 116 can have one end anchored, connected to, or otherwise coupled to recess 212 (e.g., at point 240) and a second end anchored, connected to, or otherwise coupled to member 112 (e.g., at point 244). In these embodiments, spring 116 expands and compresses as member 112 translates through recess 250 and further into or partially out of electronic housing 208.

[0035] In particular, Figure 2A In the depicted embodiment, the recess 250 has a curved cutout shape. In other embodiments, the recess 250 can be any of a variety of shapes, including straight, cylindrical, spherical, irregular, etc. The shape of the recess 250 can allow the hinge body 104 to rotate and / or translate into the recess 250 to move from an "exposed" state (e.g., when the device is in a closed configuration, such as Figure 2A 138) to a "stowed" state (e.g., when the device is in a tablet configuration) / rotate and / or translate the hinge body 104 out of the recess 250 to go from the "stowed" state to the "exposed" state without binding, catching, or otherwise contacting the surface of the recess 250. The size of the recess 250 can vary depending on, for example, the translation length of the member 112 (i.e., as the maximum value of the spring displacement 138 increases, the size of the recess 250 can tend to decrease). There can be more relationships between the size of the recess 250 and the hinge system 202.

[0036] Figure 2BDepicts a side view of an example hinge system 202 consistent with at least one embodiment described herein. Figure 2A In comparison, the screen and electronic housings 204, 204', 208 and 208' are Figure 2B 1 and 2, but as mentioned above, their shapes are presented merely as illustrative examples and may vary.

[0037] Figure 2B The hinge system 202 is in an angled configuration 200B, similar to Figure 1 Configuration 100B of hinge system 102 is depicted. As with configuration 100B, angle 203B of 200B can be any of a plurality of angles including, for example, 5 degrees or greater, 15 degrees or greater, 80 degrees or greater, etc. Where hinge system 202 can be synchronized, angle 203B can be proportional to (and possibly equal to) angle 203'. In some embodiments, hinge system 202 is not synchronized, and therefore angles 203B and 203'B may not be directly associated. Since recesses 250 and 250' are rotated when compared to configuration 200A, gap 256B therebetween may have changed. Gap 252B between screens 204 and 204' may also have changed.

[0038] As the device angle 203 is adjusted (e.g., from the closed configuration 200A to the angled configuration 200B), the members 112 and 112' can "swing" away from each other about the hinges 108 and 108'. As the members 112 and 112' protrude through the recesses 250 and 250' into the electronic housings 208 and 208', the movement of the members 112 and 112' causes the recesses 250 and 250' to rotate about the hinge body 104. As in this embodiment, the springs 116A and 116'A are compressed in the orientation 200A, and they are connected at their two connection points (e.g., at Figure 2A 204 and 204'). These forces can bias components 112 and 112' to translate deeper into electronic housings 208 and 208' (e.g., into component cavities within electronic housings 208 and 208'), which in turn causes hinge body 104 to be more closely enclosed or at least partially enclosed within recesses 250 and 250'. This can cause minimum distance 256B between storage areas 212 and 212' to be less than 256A at certain angles 203B. Similarly, minimum distance 252 between screens 204 and 204' can be smaller in configuration 200B than in 200A, depending at least in part on angle 203B.

[0039] Figure 2C 2 depicts a side view of an example hinge system 202 consistent with at least one embodiment described herein. Figure 2CThe hinge system 202 is depicted in the flat panel configuration 200C. The hinge body 104 is partially or completely filled in the recesses 250 and 250'. Figure 2B As discussed above, when the device angle 203 is adjusted from orientation 200B to orientation 200C, members 112 and 112' may approach antiparallel. Spring 116C may press against electronic housing 208 so that recess 212 is pressed into position around hinge body 104. Note that in Figure 2C In the embodiment depicted in FIG, when the hinge body 104 can be contained within the recesses 250 and 250', that is, the minimum recess distance 256C can be close to zero. Advantageously, the minimum screen distance 252C is minimized. The minimum screen distance can be any of a plurality of values ​​including 5 mm or more, 10 mm or more, 30 mm or more, etc.; in some embodiments, the minimum screen distance can be close to zero.

[0040] Figure 2D 2 depicts a side view of an example hinge system 202 consistent with at least one embodiment described herein. Figure 2D The hinge system 202 is depicted in a "fully open" or "screen-out" configuration 200D. Unlike the "fully closed" configuration 200A, in configuration 200D, the screens 204 and 204' are positioned outboard. Similar to configuration 200A, the springs 116D and 116'D can be at a relative maximum compression, and the hinge body 104 can be fully moved out of the recesses 250 and 250'.

[0041] In some embodiments, springs 116 and 116' may have a balance length that keeps them taut during all operations of hinge system 202. This may, for example, be beneficial in assisting a user in attempting to "close" the device (return to configuration 200A). In other embodiments, springs 116 and 116' may remain compressed during all operations of hinge system 202 (e.g., for all values ​​of angle 203). This may bias the device toward remaining open to a tablet configuration, such as 200C. In yet other embodiments, springs 116 and 116' may have a balance length that keeps them in compression for some values ​​of angle 203 and in tension for other values ​​of angle 203. Springs 116 and 116' may have a spring constant ("k value") of, for example, 0.1 kg / mm ​​or greater, 0.25 kg / mm ​​or greater, 0.5 kg / mm ​​or greater, 1.5 kg / mm ​​or greater, etc.

[0042] Figure 3 Depicts a top-down view of example hinge systems 302 and 303 consistent with at least one embodiment described herein. Figure 1-3 As indicated by the XYZ designator in Figure 3 The perspective relative to Figure 1-2C The view is rotated 90 degrees around the X axis. Figure 3 Illustration of recesses 250 and 250', electronic housings 208 and 208', and screens 204 and 204' is omitted. Figure 3 Both hinge systems 302 and 303 are depicted in a flat orientation 300C, where hinge bodies 104 and 304 may be enclosed by recesses 250 and 250'.

[0043] Figure 3 The perspective view of FIG. 3 highlights several possible differences between embodiments. For example, hinge system 302 includes additional springs 316C and 316'C on each member 112 and 112'. In some embodiments, springs 316C and 316'C have the same or substantially similar (e.g., within 3%) specifications (spring constant (or "k value"), equilibrium length, etc.) as springs 116C and 116'C, respectively. In other embodiments, springs 316C and 316'C have different specifications.

[0044] Additional springs 316C and 316'C can advantageously allow hinge system 302 to operate with springs having lower k values, which can reduce failures. In addition, the spring force generated by, for example, springs 316C and 116C can provide a more uniform and reliable resistance, thereby increasing the user-friendliness of hinge system 302. In some embodiments, a hinge system such as 302 can also include additional springs (e.g., 4 springs per side, 5 springs per side, etc.).

[0045] As in Figure 3 312'. As can be seen in the figure, members 112 and 112' can include several frames around one or more spring tracks 318. Spring tracks 318 are visible in hinge system 303, where a spring is omitted to show the track. Track 318 can help prevent the spring from bending or flattening under load, and can further enable the spring to apply its force along a desired axis. In some embodiments, as in hinge system 303, hinges 308 and 308' can have multiple heads, both of which are connected to their corresponding members 312 and 312'. This arrangement can provide additional structural strength to members 312 and 312'. This strength is obtained by reducing or offsetting the torque around the X axis, which can be applied to member 112 and generated by the torque around the Z axis, for example. Since the torque applied to the member around the Z axis can be generated by the normal operation of the hinge system, this reinforcement can be particularly beneficial.

[0046] Figure 4 Depicted is a side view of an example synchronized hinge system 402 consistent with at least one embodiment described herein. Figure 4The depiction of springs 116 and 116' is omitted to better focus on the internal structure of the synchronous hinge system 402. The synchronous hinge system 402 includes a series of gears 406a-406n within the hinge body 404. The gears 406a-406n can rotationally "counter-couple" the hinge 108 to the hinge 108'. For example, in this embodiment, if the hinge 108 undergoes a positive (e.g., clockwise) rotation about a first rotation axis parallel to the Z axis, then the gears 406a-406n cause 108' to undergo a negative (e.g., counterclockwise) rotation about a second rotation axis also parallel to the Z axis. Vice versa; if the hinge 108' is rotated, then the gears 406a-406n cause the hinge 108 to rotate about parallel axes but in opposite directions.

[0047] Synchronous hinge system 402 may be advantageous over other hinge systems because it enables hinge body 404 to rotate regularly relative to electronic housings 208 and 208' as the device undergoes a configuration change (e.g., from a closed configuration to a tablet configuration). This regular rotation may, in turn, help prevent problems or failures, such as, for example, hinge body 204 binding or getting caught on a recess, electronic housings 208 and 208' colliding with each other, etc. If hinges 108 and 108' rotate at different rates (i.e., if hinge system 402 is not synchronized), members 112 and 112' may extend out of recesses 250 and 250' at different rates. As in some embodiments, the rotation of hinge body 404 may be dependent on the rotation of both hinges 108 and 108', then non-synchronous rotation may cause hinge body 404 to rotate irregularly relative to the recess and / or electronic housing. This may cause hinge body 404 to become trapped on an edge or surface of one or both of recesses 250 and / or 250', thereby interfering with operation of the device.

[0048] Figure 5 A top-down view of an example device 500 that can utilize one or more of the hinge systems consistent with at least one embodiment described herein is depicted. The device 500 can be, for example, a folding display device. The device 500 can be configured to include a plurality of hinge systems. Figure 5 200C. Screens 204 and 204' may be embedded in, mounted on, or otherwise coupled to electronic housings 208 and 208', respectively. Screens 204 and 204' may display content to a user of device 500. Note that device 500 is depicted with two hinge systems 302. This is for exemplary purposes only; embodiments in which devices such as device 500 include more than two hinge systems are fully contemplated herein, as are embodiments in which a device includes only a single hinge system.

[0049] When the device 500 is in the tablet configuration, the hinge system 303 is enclosed or at least partially enclosed within the recess of the electronic housing 208 and 208'. In some embodiments, the hinge system 303 can be completely enclosed within the electronic housing 208 and 208'. In these or other embodiments, the hinge system 303 is generally Figure 5 252C between the screens 204 and 204' may be minimized. Note that gap 252C is not necessarily zero in this embodiment; this is because the gap between the screens may not be exclusively dependent on the hinge(s) of device 500. For example, electronic housings 208 and 208' may include frames that partially or completely surround screens 204 and 204', and these frames will combine to produce, affect, or otherwise contribute to a gap (such as gap 252C) between the screens, regardless of hinge size or design. However, hinge system 303 as described herein may not have any effect on gap 252C. Thus, in some embodiments, gap 252C may be close to zero.

[0050] Figure 6 is a high-level logical flow chart of an illustrative method 600 of forming a hinge system consistent with at least one embodiment described herein. The hinge system formed via method 600 may be, for example, Figure 3 The hinge system 303. The method 600 starts at 610.

[0051] At 612, a hinge body (such as, for example, hinge body 304) is formed. As described above, hinge body 304 can be formed using, for example, grinding, casting, metal injection molding (MIM), additive manufacturing (3D printing), etc. At 614, a first member (such as, for example, first member 312) is formed. Like other subcomponents of hinge system 303, first member 312 can be made of metal, plastic, composite material, etc. and can also be formed using, for example, grinding, casting, MIM, 3D printing, etc. At 616, first member 312 is pivotally coupled to hinge body 304. This can be achieved by coupling first member 312 to a hinge (such as, for example, first hinge 308). This coupling can be achieved via welding, mechanical connection (such as, bolts, chucks, etc.), or in some embodiments, hinge 308 and member 312 can be formed as a single entity. In some embodiments, hinge 308 can be a friction hinge.

[0052] At 618, a second member (such as, for example, second member 312') is formed. Second member 312' can be formed using any of the same methods as first member 312. In some embodiments, second member 312' is formed using a method different from the method used to form first member 312 (e.g., first member 312 can be 3D printed, while second member 312' can be formed via MIM). At 620, second member 312' is pivotally coupled to hinge body 304. Second member 312' can be pivotally coupled to hinge body 304 via a second hinge (e.g., second hinge 308'). Like member 312, member 312' can be coupled to second hinge 308' via welding, a mechanical connection (such as, bolts, chucks, etc.), or in some embodiments, hinge 308' and member 312' can be formed as a single entity.

[0053] Figure 7 700 is a high-level logic flow diagram of an illustrative method 700 of forming a folding display device by rotationally coupling a first electronic housing to a second electronic housing consistent with at least one embodiment described herein. The folding display device formed via method 700 may be, for example, a folding display device utilizing at least one hinge system 303. Figure 5 The foldable display device 500. The method 700 starts at 710.

[0054] At 712, a first recess (such as, for example, Figures 2A-2D The first electronic housing may be, for example, Figures 2A-2D , Figure 4 and / or Figure 5 The first recess 250 may be formed when the first electronic housing 208 is first manufactured (i.e., the first electronic housing 208 may be manufactured or formed with the first recess 250 already removed), or may be formed thereafter. In some embodiments, the first recess 250 is formed when the first electronic housing 208 is to be rotationally coupled to a second housing (such as, for example, the second housing 208'). The first recess 250 may be formed by cutting, shaving, dissolving, lathing, or otherwise removing material from the first electronic housing 208.

[0055] At 714, a first component (such as, for example, Figure 3 The first member 312 of the embodiment of the present invention is biased through the first recess along a first bias axis and at least partially biased into the first electronic housing 208. The first bias axis can be perpendicular to the first rotational axis. The first member 312 can be at least partially biased into the first electronic housing 208 via at least one hole, channel, conduit or other gap in the surface at the first recess 250.

[0056] At 716, a second recess (such as, for example, Figures 2A-2D The second electronic housing may be, for example, Figures 2A-2D , Figure 4 and / or Figure 5 2. As with the first recess 250 at 712, the second recess 250' can be formed when the second electronic housing 208' is first manufactured (i.e., the second electronic housing 208' can be manufactured or formed with the second recess 250' removed), or can be formed afterwards. In some embodiments, the second recess 250' is formed when the second electronic housing 208' is to be rotationally coupled to a second housing (such as, for example, the first housing 208). The second recess 250' can be formed by cutting, shaving, dissolving, lathing, or otherwise removing material from the second electronic housing 208'.

[0057] At 718, a second component (such as, for example, Figure 3 The second member 312') is biased through the second recess 250' along the second bias axis and at least partially biased into the second electronic housing 208'. The second bias axis can be perpendicular to the second rotational axis. The second member 312' can be at least partially biased into the second electronic housing 208' via at least one hole, channel, conduit or other aperture in the surface at the second recess 250'. After both members 312 and 312' are biased through their respective recesses along their respective bias axes, the method 700 ends at 720. Note that Figure 7 The order of operations described in is not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure; the first and second members and recesses may be swapped without significant impact on the scope.

[0058] The following examples relate to further embodiments.The following examples of the present disclosure may include subject matter such as at least one apparatus, method, apparatus for performing method-based actions, and / or a foldable display device.

[0059] According to Example 1, a hinge device is provided for pivotally coupling a first electronic housing of a folding display device to a second electronic housing. The hinge device may include: a hinge body; a first member, at least partially disposed in a first recess, the first recess is formed in the first electronic housing, the first member is pivotally coupled to the hinge body around a first rotation axis, the first member is biased along a first offset axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis; and a second member, at least partially disposed in a second recess, the second recess is formed in the second electronic housing, the second member is pivotally coupled to the hinge body around a second rotation axis, the second rotation axis is parallel to the first rotation axis, and the second member is biased along a second offset axis perpendicular to the second rotation axis.

[0060] Example 2 may include elements of Example 1 and the device may additionally include: a first spring coupled to the first member along a first spring axis, the first spring axis being parallel to the first biasing axis; and a second spring coupled to the second member along a second spring axis, the second spring axis being parallel to the second biasing axis.

[0061] Example 3 may include elements of Example 2, wherein: the first spring is further coupled to the first recess; and the second spring is further coupled to the second recess.

[0062] Example 4 may include the elements of Example 2 or 3, wherein the first spring and the second spring are in a minimum compression state when the first member is antiparallel to the second member.

[0063] Example 5 may include the elements of Example 4, wherein the first spring and the second spring are in a maximum compression state when the first member is parallel to the second member.

[0064] Example 6 may include the elements of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the hinge body is biased into the first recess and the second recess.

[0065] Example 7 may include elements of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the first member and the second member are to rotate synchronously about the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, respectively.

[0066] Example 8 may include elements of Example 7, wherein the hinge body includes at least a plurality of gears that synchronously couple a positive rotation of the first member about a first rotation axis to a negative rotation of the second member about a second rotation axis and synchronously couple a negative rotation of the first member about the first rotation axis to a positive rotation of the second member about the second rotation axis.

[0067] Example 9 may include elements of any of Examples 1-3 and the device may additionally include: a first friction hinge for pivotally coupling the first member to the hinge body; and a second friction hinge for pivotally coupling the second member to the hinge body.

[0068] Example 10 may include the elements of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the first and second members are biased into the first and second recesses along first and second bias axes, respectively.

[0069] Example 11 may include the elements of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the first and second members are biased out of the first and second recesses along first and second bias axes, respectively.

[0070] Example 12 may include elements of Example 1, wherein the hinge body, the first member, and the second member are manufactured using at least one of: additive manufacturing; and metal injection molding.

[0071] According to Example 13, a foldable display device is provided. The foldable display device may include: a first electronic housing, including a first display and a first recess formed in the first electronic housing; a second electronic housing, including a second display and a second recess formed in the second electronic housing; and wherein the first electronic housing is rotationally coupled to the second electronic housing using at least one hinge system. The hinge system may include: a hinge body; a first member, at least partially disposed in a first recess, the first recess being formed in the first electronic housing, the first member being pivotally coupled to the hinge body around a first rotation axis, the first member being biased along a first offset axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis; and a second member, at least partially disposed in a second recess, the second recess being formed in the second electronic housing, the second member being pivotally coupled to the hinge body around a second rotation axis, the second rotation axis being parallel to the first rotation axis, the second member being biased along a second offset axis perpendicular to the second rotation axis.

[0072] Example 14 may include elements of Example 13, wherein: the foldable display device is in a tablet state when the first member is antiparallel to the second member; and the hinge body is at least partially enclosed in the first recess and the second recess when the foldable display device is in the tablet state.

[0073] Example 15 may include elements of Example 13, wherein: the foldable display device is in a fully closed state or a fully open state when the first member is parallel to the second member; and the hinge body is located outside the first recess and the second recess when the foldable display device is in the fully closed state or the fully open state.

[0074] Example 16 may include elements of any of Examples 13-15 and the folding display device may additionally include: a first spring coupled to the first member along a first spring axis, the first spring axis being parallel to the first bias axis; and a second spring coupled to the second member along a second spring axis, the second spring axis being parallel to the second bias axis.

[0075] Example 17 may include elements of Example 16, wherein the first spring and the second spring are in a maximum compression state when the first member is parallel to the second member.

[0076] Example 18 may include elements of Example 16, wherein the first spring and the second spring are in a minimum compression state when the first member is antiparallel to the second member.

[0077] Example 19 may include elements of Example 16, wherein: the first electronic housing further includes a first component cavity disposed along a first offset axis adjacent to the first recess; the second electronic housing further includes a second component cavity disposed along a second offset axis adjacent to the second recess; the first component is manufactured to be partially contained within the first component cavity; and the second component is at least partially contained within the second component cavity.

[0078] Example 20 may include elements of Example 16, wherein: the first spring includes a first end and a second end; the first end of the first spring is coupled to the member at a coupling point within the first member cavity; and the second end of the first spring is coupled to the rear arm of the first recess.

[0079] Example 21 may include elements of any of Examples 13-15 and the folding display device may additionally include: a first friction hinge for pivotally coupling the first member to the hinge body; and a second friction hinge for pivotally coupling the second member to the hinge body.

[0080] Example 22 may include elements of Example 21, wherein: the first friction hinge applies a first circumferential friction force on the first member about a first rotational axis; and the second friction hinge applies a second circumferential friction force on the second member about a second rotational axis.

[0081] Example 23 may include the elements of any of Examples 13-15, wherein the first and second members are biased into the first and second recesses along first and second bias axes, respectively.

[0082] Example 24 can include the elements of any of Examples 13-15, wherein the first and second members are biased out of the first and second recesses along first and second bias axes, respectively.

[0083] Example 25 may include elements of Example 13, wherein: the hinge body, the first member, the first hinge, the second member, and the second hinge are manufactured using at least one of: additive manufacturing; and metal injection molding.

[0084] According to Example 26, a method is provided. The method may include: forming a hinge system, wherein forming the hinge system may include: pivotally coupling a first member to a hinge body about a first rotation axis; biasing the first member along a first offset axis, the first offset axis being perpendicular to the first rotation axis; pivotally coupling a second member to the hinge body about a second rotation axis, the second rotation axis being parallel to the first rotation axis; and biasing the second member along a second offset axis, the second offset axis being perpendicular to the second rotation axis. The method may also include: forming a first recess in a first electronic housing; forming a second recess in a second electronic housing; and rotationally coupling the first housing to the second housing using the formed hinge system.

[0085] According to Example 27, a device is provided. The device may include: a device for forming a hinge system, the device for forming the hinge system including: a device for pivotally coupling a first member to a hinge body around a first rotation axis; a device for biasing the first member along a first offset axis, the first offset axis being perpendicular to the first rotation axis; a device for pivotally coupling a second member to the hinge body around a second rotation axis, the second rotation axis being parallel to the first rotation axis; and a device for biasing the second member along a second offset axis, the second offset axis being perpendicular to the second rotation axis; a device for forming a first recess in a first electronic housing; a device for forming a second recess in a second electronic housing; and a device for rotationally coupling the first housing to the second housing using the formed hinge system.

Claims

1. A hinge device for pivotally coupling a first electronic housing and a second electronic housing of a foldable display device, the hinge device comprising: Hinge body; a first member at least partially disposed in a first recess formed in the first electronic housing, the first member at least partially contained within a first member cavity formed below a surface of the first recess of the first electronic housing, the first member pivotably coupled to the hinge body about a first rotation axis, the first member offset along a first offset axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis; a second member at least partially disposed in a second recess formed in the second electronic housing, the second member at least partially contained within a second member cavity formed below a surface of the second recess of the second electronic housing, the second member pivotably coupled to the hinge body about a second rotational axis, the second rotational axis being parallel to the first rotational axis, the second member being offset along a second offset axis perpendicular to the second rotational axis; a first friction hinge pivotably coupling the first member to the hinge body; a second friction hinge pivotably coupling the second member to the hinge body; a first spring coupled to the first member along a first spring axis, the first spring axis being parallel to the first biasing axis, the first spring comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the first spring being coupled to the first member at a coupling point within the cavity of the first member, the second end of the first spring being coupled to a rear wall of the first recess; as well as A second spring is coupled to the second member along a second spring axis, the second spring axis is parallel to the second biasing axis, the second spring includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the second spring is coupled to the second member at a coupling point within the cavity of the second member, and the second end of the second spring is coupled to the rear wall of the second recess.

2. The hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first spring and the second spring are in a minimum compression state when the first member is antiparallel to the second member.

3. The hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first spring and the second spring are in a maximum compression state when the first member is parallel to the second member.

4. The hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hinge body is biased into the first recess and the second recess.

5. The hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first member and the second member will rotate synchronously about the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, respectively.

6. The hinge device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The hinge body includes at least a plurality of gears, which synchronously couple the positive rotation of the first member around the first rotation axis to the negative rotation of the second member around the second rotation axis and synchronously couple the negative rotation of the first member around the first rotation axis to the positive rotation of the second member around the second rotation axis.

7. The hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first and second members are biased into the first and second recesses along the first and second biasing axes, respectively.

8. The hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first and second members are biased out of the first and second recesses along the first and second biasing axes, respectively.

9. A foldable display device comprising: a first electronic housing including a first display and a first recess formed in the first electronic housing, the first electronic housing further including a first component cavity disposed adjacent to the first recess along a first offset axis and below a surface of the first recess; a second electronic housing including a second display and a second recess formed in the second electronic housing, the second electronic housing further including a second component cavity disposed adjacent to the second recess along a second offset axis and below a surface of the second recess; as well as Wherein, the first electronic housing is rotatably coupled to the second electronic housing using at least one hinge system, the hinge system comprising: Hinge body; a first member at least partially disposed in a first recess formed in the first electronic housing, the first member at least partially contained within the first member cavity, the first member pivotally coupled to the hinge body about a first rotation axis, the first member biased along the first bias axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis; a second member at least partially disposed in a second recess formed in the second electronic housing, the second member at least partially contained within the second member cavity, the second member being pivotally coupled to the hinge body about a second rotational axis, the second rotational axis being parallel to the first rotational axis, the second member being offset along a second offset axis that is perpendicular to the second rotational axis; a first friction hinge pivotably coupling the first member to the hinge body; a second friction hinge pivotably coupling the second member to the hinge body; a first spring coupled to the first member along a first spring axis, the first spring axis being parallel to the first biasing axis, the first spring comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the first spring being coupled to the first member at a coupling point within the cavity of the first member, the second end of the first spring being coupled to a rear wall of the first recess; and A second spring is coupled to the second member along a second spring axis, the second spring axis is parallel to the second biasing axis, the second spring includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the second spring is coupled to the second member at a coupling point within the cavity of the second member, and the second end of the second spring is coupled to the rear wall of the second recess.

10. The foldable display device according to claim 9, wherein: The foldable display device is in a flat state when the first member is antiparallel to the second member; as well as The hinge body is at least partially enclosed in the first recess and the second recess when the foldable display device is in the tablet state.

11. The foldable display device according to claim 9, wherein: The foldable display device is in a fully closed state or a fully opened state when the first member is parallel to the second member; as well as The hinge body is located outside the first recess and the second recess when the foldable display device is in the fully closed state or the fully opened state.

12. The foldable display device according to claim 9, wherein: The first spring and the second spring are in a maximum compression state when the first member is parallel to the second member.

13. The foldable display device according to claim 9, wherein: The first spring and the second spring are in a minimum compression state when the first member is antiparallel to the second member.

14. The foldable display device according to claim 9, wherein: The first friction hinge applies a first circumferential friction force on the first member about the first rotation axis; and The second friction hinge applies a second circumferential friction force on the second member about the second rotation axis.

15. The foldable display device according to claim 9, wherein: The first and second members are biased into the first and second recesses along the first and second biasing axes, respectively.

16. The foldable display device according to claim 9, wherein: The first and second members are biased out of the first and second recesses along the first and second biasing axes, respectively.

17. A method comprising: forming a hinge system, wherein forming the hinge system comprises: pivotably coupling the first member to the hinge body via a first friction hinge about a first rotation axis; biasing the first member along a first biasing axis, the first biasing axis being perpendicular to the first rotational axis; pivotably coupling a second member to the hinge body through a second friction hinge about a second rotation axis, the second rotation axis being parallel to the first rotation axis; and biasing the second member along a second biasing axis, the second biasing axis being perpendicular to the second rotational axis; forming a first recess in a first electronic housing; the first member being biased through the first recess along the first biasing axis and at least partially into the first electronics housing; forming a second recess in the second electronic enclosure; and the second member is biased through the second recess along the second bias axis and at least partially into the second electronics housing; Wherein, the hinge system also includes: a first spring, coupled to the first component along a first spring axis, the first spring axis is parallel to the first biasing axis, the first spring includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the first spring is coupled to the first component, and the second end of the first spring is coupled to the rear wall of the first recess; a second spring, coupled to the second component along a second spring axis, the second spring axis is parallel to the second biasing axis, the second spring includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the second spring is coupled to the second component, and the second end of the second spring is coupled to the rear wall of the second recess.

Images