Multi-axis hinge device and electronic machine using the same

Abstract

The title of the present application is "Multi-axis hinge device and electronic equipment using the same". The present invention provides a multi-axis hinge device, which includes: a space portion, which is formed between a substrate, a front side plate and a rear side plate, and accommodates the folded portion generated by the folding of a flexible display panel when the first shell and the second shell are closed; a synchronous rotation mechanism, which causes the front side plate and the rear side plate to rotate synchronously with the opening and closing of the first shell and the second shell; a force-applying mechanism, which applies force to the front side plate and the rear side plate in the closing direction, and maintains the closed state and the open state of the front side plate and the rear side plate. The force-applying mechanism includes: a compression coil spring, which is compressed in the front-to-back direction along the substrate; a pair of sliding cams, which are arranged at both ends of the compression coil spring; a pair of cam followers, which cause the sliding cam to slide through the rotation of the first hinge pin and the second hinge pin, and compress the compression coil spring in the front-to-back direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-axis hinge device and an electronic device using the multi-axis hinge device, which is suitable for various electronic devices such as mobile phones, electronic notebooks, PDAs, small laptops or notebook computers composed of organic EL flexible display panels assembled across the two surfaces of a first shell and a second shell. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices such as mobile phones composed of organic EL flexible display panels have been developed and sold on the market. The flexible display panel spans the two surfaces of the first shell and the second shell assembled in the electronic device. The hinge device that connects the first shell and the second shell of the aforementioned electronic device and enables them to open and close with each other is mostly a multi-axis hinge device using multiple hinge pins, which is well known as the following patent document 1. In order to prevent the flexible display panel from malfunctioning due to folding when the first shell and the second shell are opened and closed, the structure of the aforementioned multi-axis hinge device is to maintain a certain radius of curvature in the curved part of its internal space. Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2020-125841 records the multi-axis hinge device as described above and is well known.

[0003] When the cross-section of the flexible display panel is curved in a teardrop shape and the resistance is large, the curved flexible display panel will stretch the first shell and the second shell in the closed state, so that the multi-axis hinge device cannot bear the weight of the electronic device itself and it is difficult to maintain the closed state. In addition, if the assembly accuracy of the flexible display panel to the first shell and the second shell is low, wrinkles and looseness will occur when the first shell and the second shell are in the open state. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a multi-axis hinge device, which can stably maintain the smooth closing of a first shell and a second shell, and the flexible display panel is not prone to wrinkles and looseness when the first shell and the second shell are in the closed state.

[0005] To solve the aforementioned problems, the multi-axis hinge of the present invention is arranged on the lower side of the flexible display board of an electronic device equipped with the flexible display board, and the flexible display board spans the two surfaces of the first shell and the second shell. The multi-axis hinge device connects the first shell and the second shell so that they can open and close with each other. The multi-axis hinge device includes: a substrate, a front side plate and a rear side plate, a first assembly plate and a second assembly plate, a space portion, a synchronous rotation mechanism and a force application mechanism, wherein the substrate is arranged along the left and right directions of the rear end sides of the first shell and the second shell facing each other; the front side plate and the rear side plate are respectively arranged on the front and rear sides of the substrate to be rotated; the first assembly plate and the second assembly plate are assembled on the substrate through the first axis support pin portion and the second axis support pin portion to be rotated, and are assembled on the free end sides of the front side plate and the rear side plate through the third hinge pin and the fourth hinge pin to slide and rotate, so that each free end side is assembled on each rear end of the first shell and the second shell; the space portion is formed between the substrate, the front side plate and the rear side plate, and the folded part generated when the flexible display panel is folded when the first shell and the second shell are closed; the synchronous rotation mechanism causes the front side plate and the rear side plate to rotate synchronously along with the opening and closing action of the first shell and the second shell; the force application mechanism causes the front side plate and the rear side plate to apply force in the closing direction and maintain the closed state and the open state of the front side plate and the rear side plate. The force-applying mechanism further includes a compression coil spring, a pair of sliding cams and a pair of cam followers. The compression coil spring is compressed in the front-to-rear direction along the substrate; a pair of sliding cams are arranged at both ends of the compression coil spring; a pair of cam followers are arranged on the front side plate and the rear side plate, and along with the rotation of the first hinge pin and the second hinge pin, the sliding cam slides and compresses the compression coil spring from the front-to-rear direction.

[0006] The present invention further includes a tension adjustment mechanism, which can enable at least one of the first assembly plate and the second assembly plate maintained in an open state by the force-applying mechanism to move forward and backward corresponding to the tension of the flexible display panel to adjust the tension of the flexible display panel. The tension adjustment mechanism includes a slide and a compression coil spring. The slide is adjacent to at least one of the third hinge pin and the fourth hinge pin to enable it to slide forward and backward; the compression coil spring is arranged between at least one of the first assembly plate and the second assembly plate and the slide.

[0007] In the present invention, the synchronous rotation mechanism is assembled on the substrate through the third axis support pin portion so as to be rotated, and is composed of a first rod gear and a second rod gear meshing together. The first rod gear is driven to rotate by the first hinge pin of the front side plate; the second rod gear is assembled on the substrate through the fourth axis support pin portion so as to be rotated, and is driven to rotate by the second hinge pin of the rear side plate.

[0008] In the present invention, the synchronous rotation mechanism further includes a suction mechanism, which attracts the front side plate and the rear side plate to a closed state and an open state and stops their rotation. The suction mechanism includes a fixed cam plate, a pair of rotating cam plates and a compression spring member. The fixed cam plate is connected to the third shaft support pin portion and the fourth shaft support pin portion so as to be able to rotate; the concave and convex surfaces of the pair of rotating cam plates overlap with the fixed cam plate, respectively fixing the rotation of the third shaft support pin portion and the fourth shaft support pin portion; the compression spring member compresses the fixed cam plate and the rotating cam plate so that the two overlap.

[0009] The multi-axis hinge device of the present invention is arranged on the lower side of the flexible display board of an electronic device equipped with a flexible display board, and the flexible display board spans the two surfaces of the first shell and the second shell. The multi-axis hinge device connects the first shell and the second shell so that they can be opened and closed with each other. The multi-axis hinge device includes a substrate, a front side plate and a rear side plate, a first assembly plate and a second assembly plate, a space portion, a synchronous rotation mechanism and a tension adjustment mechanism, wherein the substrate is arranged along the left and right directions of the rear end portions of the first shell and the second shell facing each other; the front side plate and the rear side plate are respectively arranged on the front and rear sides of the substrate to be rotated; the first assembly plate and the second assembly plate are respectively rotated by the first axis support pin portion and the second axis support pin portion. The shaft support pin part is assembled to the substrate so as to rotate, and is assembled to the free ends of the front side plate and the rear side plate through the third hinge pin and the fourth hinge pin so as to slide and rotate, so that the free ends are assembled to the rear ends of the first shell and the second shell; the space part is formed between the substrate, the front side plate and the rear side plate, and receives the folded part generated when the flexible display panel is folded when the first shell and the second shell are closed; the synchronous rotation mechanism rotates the front side plate and the rear side plate synchronously with the opening and closing action of the first shell and the second shell; the tension adjustment mechanism moves at least one of the first assembly plate and the second assembly plate ready to enter the open state forward and backward corresponding to the tension of the flexible display panel to adjust the tension of the flexible display panel. The tension adjustment mechanism includes a slide and a compression coil spring, the slide is adjacent to at least one of the third hinge pin and the fourth hinge pin to make it slide forward and backward; the compression coil spring is arranged between at least one of the first assembly plate and the second assembly plate and the slide.

[0010] To solve the aforementioned problems, the electronic device of the present invention uses the multi-axis hinge device as described above.

[0011] Based on the present invention, even if the cross-section of the flexible display panel is bent into a teardrop shape and has a large rebound force when the first shell and the second shell are in a closed state, the multi-axis hinge device can support the weight of the electronic device itself and maintain the first shell and the second shell in a stable closed state.

[0012] According to the present invention, even if the assembly accuracy of the flexible display panel is low, it is not easy to be wrinkled or loosened when the first shell and the second shell are in the opened state.

[0013] According to the present invention, the synchronous rotation mechanism can make the first assembly plate and the second assembly plate rotate synchronously and open and close symmetrically, thereby improving the operability of the multi-axis hinge device. In addition, the synchronous rotation mechanism has a small number of parts, realizes a relatively simple structure, and can make the multi-axis hinge device thinner.

[0014] Based on the present invention, the suction mechanism causes the first assembly plate and the second assembly plate to be attracted to the closed position and the open position respectively and then stop, so that the open state and the closed state of the multi-axis hinge device can be made more stable, and the operability of the multi-axis hinge device in the opening and closing process is improved.

[0015] Based on the present invention, even if the cross-section of the flexible display panel is bent into a teardrop shape and has a large rebound force when the electronic device is in a closed state, the multi-axis hinge device can support the weight of the electronic device itself and maintain the first shell and the second shell in a stable closed state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 The present invention is a three-dimensional diagram of an electronic device with a first housing and a second housing opened to 180 degrees. The electronic device has a flexible display panel.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The illustrated perspective view is of a state in which the first housing and the second housing of the electronic device are closed to 0 degrees.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The figure is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device with the first housing and the second housing closed to 0 degrees.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The electronic device shown is a three-dimensional view showing the state of the multi-axis hinge device after the flexible display panel and the protective sheet are removed.

[0020] Figure 5 Take it out and enlarge it Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of the multi-axis hinge device shown.

[0021] Figure 6 The first assembly board and the second assembly board are closed to 0 degrees, looking down from above Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of the multi-axis hinge device shown.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the multi-axis hinge device shown.

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 7An exploded perspective view of the synchronous rotation mechanism of the multi-axis hinge device is shown.

[0024] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the first assembly board, which includes Figure 7 The tension adjustment mechanism of the multi-axis hinge device is shown.

[0025] Fig.10 This is an exploded perspective view of the front side panel, which includes Figure 7 The force applying mechanism of the multi-axis hinge device shown.

[0026] Fig.11 is an exploded perspective view of a substrate, which includes Figure 7 The force applying mechanism of the multi-axis hinge device shown.

[0027] Fig.12 It is used to illustrate Figure 7 The structure of the substrate of the multi-axis hinge device shown, (a) is its stereoscopic view, and (b) is its plan view.

[0028] Fig.13 It is used to illustrate Figure 7 The structure of the front side plate of the multi-axis hinge device shown, (a) is its stereoscopic view, and (b) is its stereoscopic view at different angles.

[0029] Fig.14 It is used to illustrate Figure 7 The structure of the first assembly plate of the multi-axis hinge device is shown, (a) is its stereoscopic view, and (b) is its stereoscopic view at different angles.

[0030] Fig.15 It is used to illustrate Figure 7 The first guide part and the second guide part formed on the first assembly plate and the second assembly plate of the multi-axis hinge device shown in the figure, (a) is a cross-section of the synchronous rotation mechanism, and (b) is a cross-section of the force application mechanism.

[0031] Fig.16 It is used to illustrate Figure 7 The actions of the synchronous rotation mechanism and tension adjustment device of the multi-axis hinge device shown are: (a) is a closed state of 0 degrees, (b) is an open state of 90 degrees, and (c) is an open state of 180 degrees.

[0032] Fig.17 It is used to illustrate Figure 7 The action of the force-applying mechanism of the multi-axis hinge device shown is as follows: (a) is a closed state of 0 degrees, (b) is an open state of 90 degrees, and (c) is an open state of 180 degrees.

[0033] Fig.18 It is used to illustrate Figure 7When the multi-axis hinge device shown is opened to 180 degrees, its first assembly plate and the second assembly plate are arranged on the outside and inside of the front-to-back direction so as to be able to move, (a) is the state of moving toward the outside of the front-to-back direction, and (b) is the state of moving toward the inside of the front-to-back direction.

[0034] Fig.19 It is used to illustrate Figure 7 The multi-axis hinge device shown has its first assembly plate and second assembly plate restricted in movement when in a closed state of 0 degrees and an open state of 90 degrees, (a) is a closed state of 0 degrees, (b) is an open state of 90 degrees, and (c) is an open state of 180 degrees.

[0035] Fig. 20 It is used to illustrate Figure 8 The conceptual schematic diagram of the action of the suction mechanism shown, (a) is a closed state closed to 0 degrees, (b) is a state with an opening angle close to 0 degrees, (c) is a state with an opening angle close to 180 degrees, and (d) is an open state opened to 180 degrees. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the multi-axis hinge device and an electronic device using the multi-axis hinge device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 4 A mobile phone (smartphone) is a schematic diagram of an example of an electronic device using the multi-axis hinge device of the present invention. In the drawings described later, the free end side of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 when they are opened is the front end side, and the side where the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are connected by the multi-axis hinge device 6 is the rear end side. In addition, when viewed from the front end side of the first shell 2, the left side in the left-right direction is the left side, the right side is the right side, the upper side in the up-down direction is the upper side, the lower side is the lower side, the front in the front-to-back direction is the front side, and the rear is the rear side. Therefore, the direction in which the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are connected is the front-to-back direction, and the lateral direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction is the left-to-right direction.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the mobile phone 1 is equipped with a flexible display panel 5, which is assembled across the two surfaces of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3. Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the mobile phone 1 folds the flexible display panel 5 inwardly through the multi-axis hinge device 6. Figure 4As shown, the multi-axis hinge device 6 is provided on the lower side of the flexible display panel 5 and a pair of protective sheets 4 of the mobile phone 1, and connects the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 to open and close each other. The multi-axis hinge device 6 includes a substrate 7, a front side plate 9 and a rear side plate 10, a first assembly plate 17 and a second assembly plate 18. A space portion 30 can be formed between the substrate 7, the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10, which can accommodate the folded portion of the flexible display panel 5 with a water drop-shaped cross-section when the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are closed. In addition, the protective sheet 4 can be configured to fully protect the flexible display panel 5 as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-125841.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the multi-axis hinge device 6 fixes the free end side 17f of the first assembly plate 17 to the outer frame 2a of the first housing 2 by screws 6a at the assembly hole 17a. In addition, the free end side 18f of the second assembly plate 18 is fixed to the outer frame 3a of the second housing 3 by screws 6a at the assembly hole 18a. Figure 5 As shown, magnet sheets 9c and 10c are attached to the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10.

[0039] The magnet pieces 9c and 10c are adsorbed on the magnetic layer (not shown) provided on the back of the flexible display board 5, and the flexible display board 5 is stretched and bent into a large arch shape to fill the space 30. Fig.10 As shown, the magnet pieces 9c and 10c are attached to the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10 using double-sided tape 9d (10d: omitted in the figure).

[0040] In addition, the multi-axis hinge device 6 is described. In the following description, the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10, and the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are formed in the same or symmetrical long side direction. Therefore, the front side plate 9 and the first assembly plate 17 are described in detail, and the rear side plate 10 and the second assembly plate 18 are replaced by 10 and 18 respectively, and repeated description is omitted.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the substrate 7 is arranged across the left-right direction on the rear end sides of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3. Figure 5 As shown, the substrate 7 includes a first shaft support portion 13 and a second shaft support portion 14 at the center portion in the front-rear direction at the left-right end portions. Fig.12 As shown, the substrate 7 includes a first hinge pin 11 and a second hinge pin 12 at a certain distance D outside the first shaft support pin portion 13 and the second shaft support pin portion 14 in the front-rear direction.

[0042] like Figure 7 , Fig.11 , Fig.12As shown, the substrate 7 is a long synthetic resin molded product that is symmetrical in the left and right direction with a cable insertion portion 7s arranged in the center of the long side direction, and is composed of bearing portions 7h, 7h assembled at both ends of a body 7g. The substrate 7 is provided with a connecting portion of a first hinge pin 11 and a front side plate 9 using a bearing portion 11d on the front side in the front-to-back direction, and a connecting portion of a second hinge pin 12 and a rear side plate 10 using a bearing portion 12d on the rear side in the front-to-back direction. The connecting portion of the front side plate 9 is formed protrudingly on the front side and forms a pin hole 11e for the first hinge pin 11. The connecting portion of the rear side plate 10 is formed protrudingly on the rear side and forms a pin hole 12e for the second hinge pin 12. The bearing portions 11d, 11d are fixed on the same axis as the first hinge pins 11, 11 on the substrate 7, and support the shaft portions 11c, 11c of the front side plate 9 to rotate freely. The bearing portions 12d, 12d and the second hinge pins 12, 12 are fixed on the same axis on the substrate 7, supporting the shaft portions 12c, 12c of the rear side plate 10 to rotate freely.

[0043] like Figure 7 , Fig.10 , Fig.13 , Fig.15 As shown, the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10 are rotatably assembled on the front and rear sides of the substrate 7 through the first hinge pin 11 and the second hinge pin 12 respectively. The free end side of the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10 for rotating the substrate 7 includes a third hinge pin 15 and a fourth hinge pin 16.

[0044] The front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10 are long synthetic resin molded products with cable insertion portions 9s and 10s arranged in the center of the longitudinal direction to form bilateral symmetry. Fig.10 As shown, the front side plate 9 is provided with a connection portion 11f of the substrate 7 and is riveted and fixed with a pin 11g. The front side plate 9 is provided with connection portions 15a, 15b of the first assembly plate 17 using a third hinge pin 15. The rear side plate 10 is also provided with a connection portion 12f of the substrate 7 and connection portions 16a, 16b of the second assembly plate 18.

[0045] The first hinge pins 11, 11 have one end rotatably inserted into the pin holes 11a, 11a of the front side plate 9, and the other end is pressed into the pin holes 11e, 11e of the substrate 7. The second hinge pins 12, 12 have one end rotatably inserted into the pin holes 12a, 12a of the rear side plate 10, and the other end is pressed into the pin holes 12e, 12e of the substrate 7. The shaft portions 11c, 11c are fixed to the front side plate 9 on the same axis as the first hinge pins 11, 11 inserted into the pin holes 11a, 11a. The shaft portions 12c, 12c are fixed to the front side plate 10 on the same axis as the second hinge pins 12, 12 inserted into the pin holes 12a, 12a.

[0046] The third hinge pin 15 includes a flange portion 15c and an annular groove 15d. Figure 6As shown, the third hinge pin 15 passes through the working holes 17c, 17c of the first assembly plate 17, and is inserted from the outside into the connecting parts 15a, 15b and the guide part 17d of the front side plate 9. The figure does not show the ring material inserted into the ring groove 15d for assembly. Similarly, the fourth hinge pin 16 passes through the working hole 18c of the second assembly plate 18, and is inserted from the outside into the connecting parts 16a, 16b and the second guide part (18d: Fig.15 ) assembly. In addition, Fig.10 and Fig.15 The component denoted by 15e in the figure is the bearing hole of the third hinge pin 15.

[0047] like Fig.16 , Fig.19 As shown, the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are rotatably assembled on the substrate 7 through the first support shaft pin 13 and the second support shaft pin 14. The first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are assembled on the free end sides of the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10, and the free end sides of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are assembled and slidably rotated through the third hinge pin 15 and the fourth hinge pin 16. The first guide portion 17d and the second guide portion 18d can guide the third hinge pin 15 and the fourth hinge pin 16 to move obliquely and rotate.

[0048] like Figure 7 , Fig.14 As shown, the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are long synthetic resin molded products that are symmetrical in the left and right directions by arranging cable insertion portions 17s and 18s in the center of the long side direction. The first assembly plate 17 is provided with a connection portion (hole 13a) of the substrate 7 using the first shaft support pin portion 13 at the tip side of the arm portions 17e at both ends in the long side direction, and a connection portion (first guide portion 17d) of the front side plate 9 using the third hinge pin 15 is provided inside. Similarly, the second assembly plate 18 is provided with a connection portion (hole 14a) of the substrate 7 using the second shaft support pin portion 14 at the tip side of the arm portions 18e at both ends in the long side direction, and a connection portion (second guide portion 18d) of the rear side plate 10 using the fourth hinge pin 16 is provided inside.

[0049] like Fig.14 , Fig.15 As shown, the guide portion 17d of the first assembly plate 17 has its edge formed between the first guide portion 17d on the inner side in the left-right direction and its two outer inclined surfaces 17h, 17h to guide the side of the third hinge pin 15. Similarly, the second assembly plate 18 is formed with second guide portions 18d, 18d to guide the fourth hinge pin 16 obliquely. Fig.16As shown, the third hinge pin 15 is guided to the guide portion 17d with the rotation of the front side plate 9 and slides obliquely with respect to the plane of the first assembly plate 17, so that the free end side of the front side plate 9 retreats obliquely from the plane of the first assembly plate 17. The fourth hinge pin 16 is guided to the second guide portion 18d with the rotation of the rear side plate 10 and slides obliquely with respect to the second assembly plate 18, so that the free end side of the rear side plate 10 retreats obliquely from the plane of the second assembly plate 18. In addition, Fig.15 In the figure, the component with reference numeral 16e is the bearing hole of the fourth hinge pin 16, and the components with reference numerals 18g and 18h ​​are the inclined surfaces of the guide portion 18d. Figure 3 As shown, as the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10 retreat, a space portion 30 is formed to accommodate the curved portion of the flexible display panel 5. As the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 are moved from the open state to the closed state by the synchronous rotation mechanism 20, a space portion 30 is formed inside the plate thickness of the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 with the substrate 7 as the bottom surface and sandwiched between the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10, which is symmetrical on both sides.

[0050] The base cover 8 is used to cover the synchronous rotation mechanism 20, the suction mechanism 21, and the force application mechanism 22 arranged on the lower side of the substrate 7, and the cross section is in the shape of a curved boat. The base cover 8 penetrates the holes 8a, 8a and the holes 20g, 20g of the synchronous rotation mechanism 20, and the internal thread screws of the fixing parts 20r, 20r of the substrate 7 are assembled to the substrate 7 by screws 20s, 20s. The synchronous rotation mechanism 20 is fixed to the substrate 7 together with the base cover 8 by screws 20s, 20s.

[0051] Next, the structure of the synchronous rotation mechanism 20, 20' will be described. Fig.16 yes Figure 5 BB cross-section diagram. Fig.16 As shown, the synchronous rotation mechanism 20 is accompanied by the opening and closing of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3, so that the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10 are synchronously rotated. The synchronous rotation mechanism 20 is provided on the substrate 7 through the third shaft support pin portion 20a and the fourth shaft support pin portion 20b. The synchronous rotation mechanism 20 is constituted by meshing with the first rod gear 20c and the second rod gear 20d. If one of the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10 is rotated, the other will rotate symmetrically through the gear teeth 20m and 20n of the first rod gear 20c and the second rod gear 20d.

[0052] The first rod gear 20c is rotatable on the substrate 7 through the third support pin 20a and is driven to rotate by the first hinge pin 11 of the front side plate 9. The second rod gear 20d is rotatable on the substrate 7 through the fourth support pin 20b and is driven to rotate by the second hinge pin 12 of the rear side plate 10.

[0053] like Figure 8As shown, the third shaft support pin portion 20a and the fourth shaft support pin portion 20b are clamped between the bearing members 20f, 20f and the bearing members 20f, 20f and can rotate freely on the substrate 7. The bearing members 20f, 20f, 20f, 20f are limited by the axial direction of the step difference grooves 20e, 20e, 20e, 20e of the third shaft support pin portion 20a and the fourth shaft support pin portion 20b. The circular holes 20k, 20k of the spacer portions 20h, 20i support the flat shaft portions 20u, 20u of the third shaft support pin portion 20a and the fourth shaft support pin portion 20b to rotate freely. The flat shaft portions 20u, 20u constrain the rotation of the first rod gear 20c and the second rod gear 20d through the flat holes 20j, 20j.

[0054] like Fig.16 As shown, the first rod gear 20c and the second rod gear 20d are linked to the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10 through a pair of pins 20t and 20t. The pair of pins 20t and 20t are fixed as shown in FIG. Fig.10 One end of the pin holes 11b, 12b of the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10 shown in the figure, and the other end is retained on the oblong holes 20p, 20q of the first rod gear 20c and the second rod gear 20d. Therefore, the front side plate 9 is rotated relative to the substrate 7, that is, the pin 20t on the side of the front side plate 9 is transmitted through the engagement of the first rod gear 20c and the second rod gear 20d, and the pin 20t on the side of the rear side plate 10 is driven to rotate the rear side plate 10 symmetrically. Conversely, the rear side plate 10 is rotated relative to the substrate 7, that is, the reverse transmission drive is transmitted to rotate the front side plate 9. In this way, the synchronous rotation mechanism 20 makes the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 open and close symmetrically. The synchronous rotation mechanism 20 is composed of a small number of parts, which can make the multi-axis hinge device 6 thinner.

[0055] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, although the synchronous rotation mechanism 20 and the synchronous rotation mechanism 20' are constructed together, the left and right directions of the multi-axis hinge device 6 are arranged in reverse symmetry. Therefore, the first rod gear 20c, the second rod gear 20d, the front side plate 9 and the rear plate 10 of the synchronous rotation mechanism 20' and the synchronous rotation mechanism 20 are opposite to each other. That is, in the synchronous rotation mechanism 20', the first rod gear 20c is linked to the rear side plate 10 through the pin 20t, and the second rod gear 20d is linked to the front side plate 9 through the pin 20t.

[0056] like Figure 8As shown, the synchronous rotation mechanism 20 is provided with a suction mechanism 21. The suction mechanism 21 attracts the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10 from the closed state and the open state to stop the rotation. The suction mechanism 21 comprises a fixed cam plate 21c, a pair of rotating cam plates 21a, 21b and compression spring members 21e, 21e. The fixed cam plate 21c connects the third shaft support pin 20a and the fourth shaft support pin 20b to rotate; the pair of rotating cam plates 21a, 21b overlap the fixed plate 21c and the concave-convex surfaces 21m, 21n to respectively fix the third shaft support pin 20a and the fourth shaft support pin 20b to rotate; the compression spring members 21e, 21e compress the overlapping fixed cam plate 21c and the rotating cam plates 21a, 21b.

[0057] The flat shafts 20u, 20u of the third and fourth shaft support pins 20a, 20b are supported to rotate freely by the spacer 21d and the circular holes 21k, 21g of the fixed cam plate 21c. The flat shafts 20u, 20u of the third and fourth shaft support pins 20a, 20b are constrained to rotate by the flat holes 21f, 21f. The compression spring member 21e is a collection of washer springs, and is formed by overlapping four umbrella-shaped washers.

[0058] like Fig.16 As shown, from the open state to the closed state of the multi-axis hinge device 6, the third axis support pin portion 20a and the fourth axis support pin portion 20b rotate 30 to 40 degrees respectively. Fig. 20 As shown, the suction mechanism 21 rotates with the third shaft support pin 20a and the fourth shaft support pin 20b, and the fixed cam plate 21c and the concave and convex surfaces 21m and 21n of the rotating plates 21a and 21b engage to cause the compression spring member 21e to expand and contract. The suction mechanism 21 attracts the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 to stop at the extended angle position of the compression spring member 21e at both ends of the aforementioned angle range ( Fig. 20 (a), (d)). Secondly, within a certain angle range located at the center of both ends of the angle range, the compression spring member 21e is compressed to a certain extent, and the fixed cam plate 21c and the rotating cam plates 21a, 21b only produce a friction state ( Fig. 20 (b), (c)). The multi-axis hinge device 6 can stop at any opening angle, becoming a so-called free stop state. Therefore, in addition to stabilizing the opening and closing states of the multi-axis hinge device 6, the suction mechanism 21 also improves the operability of the opening and closing process of the multi-axis hinge device 6.

[0059] Next, the structure of the urging mechanism 22 will be described. Fig.17 yes Figure 5 AA cross-section diagram. Fig.17As shown, the force mechanism 22 not only applies force to the closing direction of the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10, but also maintains the closed state and the open state of the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10. The force mechanism 22 includes a compression coil spring 22a, a pair of sliding cams 22b and a pair of cam followers 22c. The compression coil spring 22a is compressed along the front-to-back direction of the substrate 7; the pair of sliding cams 22b are arranged at both ends of the compression coil spring 22a; and the pair of cam followers 22c are arranged on the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10, and the sliding cams 22b slide and compress the compression coil spring 22a in the front-to-back direction as the first hinge pin 11 and the second hinge pin 12 rotate.

[0060] like Fig.11 As shown, the holding spaces 7a, 7a of the force applying mechanism 22 are provided below the substrate 7. The slide cam 22b includes a plurality of protrusions 22d, 22d, 22d, 22d for holding the compression coil springs 22a, 22a, 22a, 22a arranged in the left-right direction. The substrate 7 includes guides 22f, 22f for holding a pair of slide cams 22b, 22b outside the arranged compression coil springs 22a, 22a, 22a, 22a so as to slide in the front-back direction. Therefore, the compression coil spring 22a is supported on the substrate 7 through the slide cam 22b.

[0061] like Fig.17 As shown, the cam followers 22c, 22c of the force-applying mechanism 22 protrude in a rod shape from the opposite side of the third hinge pin 15 and the fourth hinge pin 16 with the first hinge pin 11 and the second hinge pin 12 as fulcrums. The cam followers 22c, 22c are respectively fixed to the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10 with different materials that are not easy to wear. The cam followers 22c, 22c follow the rotation of the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10 through the first hinge pin 11 and the second hinge pin 12, and rub against the sliding cams 22b, 22b, thereby pressing the sliding cams 22b, 22b to move them in the front-back direction. In addition, especially as Fig.11 As shown, the component with reference numeral 22e is a guide plate which is slidably inserted into the guide portions 22f, 22f.

[0062] The sliding cams 22b, 22b are set to a predetermined cam curve 22i or a predetermined suction characteristic curve. Fig.17 As shown in (a), the sliding cam 22b is provided with a convex portion 22g for opening the multi-axis hinge device 6, a concave portion 22h for closing the multi-axis hinge device 6, and a cam curve 22i connecting the two (22g, 22h). The cam followers 22c, 22c move the friction points along the cam curve 22i of the sliding cams 22b, 22b and move to the outside according to the force of the convex curve 22i. In addition, the cam curves of the sliding cams 22b, 22b are not limited to the curves described here.

[0063] like Fig.17As shown in (b), when the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are opened from the closed state of 0 degrees to the state of 90 degrees, the cam curve 22i is set so that the sliding cams 22b, 22b press the cam followers 22c, 22c to move to the outside. Therefore, within this angle range, the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are opened against the multiple compression coil springs 22a, and the closed state is restored as long as the hand leaves the multi-axis hinge device 6.

[0064] like Fig.17 As shown in (c), the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are opened to a state close to 180 degrees, and the compression coil spring 22a exerts a force to press the shaft portions 11c and 12c outward, which increases the tendency to shorten the moment of the cam followers 22c and 22c in the closing direction. As a result, the force required to open the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 also decreases, and the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are forced to open to a state of 180 degrees and maintain the state of 180 degrees by themselves.

[0065] In addition, the angles of 0 degrees and 180 degrees between the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are regulated as the meshing structure between the substrate 7, the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18. Fig.19 As shown, the guide pins 13b, 14b provided on the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are guided by the arc-shaped guiding grooves 13c, 14c provided on the substrate 7, so that the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are positioned in a straight line in the open state, and the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are positioned in parallel in the closed state.

[0066] Therefore, the force-applying mechanism 22 can apply force to the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 in a wide angle range to guide the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 to the closed state, while stably maintaining the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 in the closed state and the open state, thereby providing a multi-axis hinge device 6 with better operability than the general suction mechanism and the aforementioned suction mechanism 21. Secondly, the force-applying mechanism 22 regulates the open state and the closed state of the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 through the guide grooves 13c and 14c provided on the left and right end surfaces of the substrate 7, and can simultaneously improve the position accuracy of the first shell 2 and the second shell 3 and the rigidity strength of the multi-axis hinge device 6 in the open state and the closed state using the force-applying mechanism 22.

[0067] Next, the structure of the tension adjustment mechanism 24 will be described. Fig.18 Along Figure 5 A part of the side view in the front-back direction is a BB cross-sectional view. Fig.19 yes Figure 5The tension adjustment mechanism 24 adjusts the tension of the flexible display panel 5 by adjusting the tension of at least one of the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 in the open state through the force application mechanism 22 to move the flexible display panel 5 in the front-to-back direction. The tension adjustment mechanism 24 includes a slide 24b and a compression coil spring 24a. The slide 24b is adjacent to at least one of the third hinge pin 15 and the fourth hinge pin 16 and slides in the front-to-back direction; the compression coil spring 24a is provided between at least one of the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 and the slide 24b.

[0068] The guide pin 13b is fixed to the arm portion 17e of the first assembly plate 17, and the guide pin 14b is fixed to the arm portion 18e of the second assembly plate 18. When the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 rotate symmetrically with the first shaft support pin portion 13 and the second shaft support pin portion 14 as the center, they will be guided to the arc-shaped guide grooves 13c and 14c. The guide pin 13b rotates together with the first assembly plate 17, and the guide pin 14b rotates together with the second assembly plate 18.

[0069] Fig.19 (a) The closed state and Fig.19 In the 90-degree open state shown in (b), the guide pins 13b and 14b are constrained in the guide grooves 13c and 14c to have no gaps, so there is no space for the first and second shaft support pins 13 and 14 to move in the elliptical holes 13a and 14a. Fig.19 As shown in (c), in the state of being opened 180 degrees, the direction in which the guide pins 13b and 14b can move along the guide grooves 13c and 14c is consistent with the long side direction of the elliptical holes 13a and 14a. Therefore, the first assembly plate 17 has a moving space in the long side direction of the elliptical hole 13a, and the second assembly plate 18 has a moving space in the long side direction of the elliptical hole 14a. The tension adjustment mechanism 24 and 24 uses the moving space of the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 to adjust the tension of the flexible display board 5 mounted between the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18.

[0070] like Fig.18 As shown in (a), the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 can move in the front-rear direction relative to the first shaft support pin 13 and the second shaft support pin 14. When the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 move to the outside, the interval between the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 forms a wide X. Fig.18 As shown in (b), when the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 move to the inner side, the interval between the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 becomes a narrow Y. The tension adjustment device 24 utilizes this XY moving space to elastically support the flexible display panel 5 arranged across the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 in the tension direction.

[0071] Fig. 9 The tension adjustment mechanism 24, 24 shown is assembled in Fig.14 (b) shows the depressions 17b, 17b below the first assembly plate 17. The tension adjustment mechanism 24, 24 is assembled by inserting the screws 24f, 24f into the holes 21g of the slide guide 24d and locking them into place. Fig.14 (b) is shown in the internal threaded screws 24i, 24i below the first assembly plate 17. The slide guide 24d is between the abutment portion 24h and the abutment portion 24e of the compression coil spring 24a, and can maintain the position of the slide 24b interposed between the compression coil spring 24a. Similarly, the tension adjustment devices 24, 24 are assembled in the recessed portions 18b, 18b below the second assembly plate 18.

[0072] like Fig.16 As shown in (c), the tension adjustment mechanism 24 is in an open state where the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are opened 180 degrees, and the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are forced outward, so that tension is generated on the flexible display panel 5. The slides 24b, 24b pressed by the third hinge pin 15 and the fourth hinge pin 16 move to the outside, resulting in the flexible display panel 5 assembled across the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 being pulled outward, and the slides 24b, 24b are separated from the abutment portions 24h, 24h.

[0073] On the one hand, if Fig.16 As shown in (a) and (b), when the flexible display panel 5 is folded, the third hinge pin 15 and the fourth hinge pin 16 are separated from the sliders 24b, 24b, and the sliders 24b, 24b are pressed by the compression coil spring 24a and abut against the contact portion 24h.

[0074] like Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 on which the flexible display panel 5 is mounted can move in the front-rear direction with the expansion and contraction of the compression coil spring 24a. The compression coil spring 24a elastically presses the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 outward relative to the front side plate 9 and the rear side plate 10, thereby adjusting the tension of the flexible display panel 5 mounted on the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18. In other words, if the flexible display panel 5 mounted on the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 is relatively long, Fig.18 As shown in (a), the interval between the first assembly board 17 and the second assembly board 18 is a wide X. On the contrary, if the flexible display board 5 mounted on the first assembly board 17 and the second assembly board 18 is relatively short, Fig.18As shown in (b), the interval between the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 is a narrow Y. Therefore, when the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 are opened to make the flexible display plate 5 in an open state, the multi-axis hinge device 6 having the tension adjustment mechanism 24 can not only remove the slack and wrinkles of the overly long flexible display plate 5, but also prevent the overly short flexible display plate 5 from being subjected to excessive tension.

[0075] Here, an embodiment in which the tension adjustment mechanism 24 is provided on both the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18 is described, but the tension adjustment mechanism 24 may be provided on only one of the first assembly plate 17 or the second assembly plate 18. The number of tension adjustment mechanisms 24 provided on the first assembly plate 17 and the second assembly plate 18, and the number of compression coil springs 24a provided on one tension adjustment mechanism 24 may also be arbitrarily determined in accordance with the required tension setting range.

[0076] The multi-axis hinge device of the present invention is constructed as described above, which can realize and stably maintain the smooth closing state of the first shell and the second shell. In addition, when the first shell and the second shell are in the open state, the flexible display panel is not easy to be wrinkled or loose.

[0077] The multi-axis hinge device of the present invention is suitable for use in a foldable electronic device, which is composed of a flexible display panel spanning a first shell and a second shell, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, an electronic notebook, a PDA, a small laptop, an image projection device, a portable game console, a notebook computer, etc. The electronic device of the present invention is preferably a foldable electronic device using the multi-axis hinge device. The multi-axis hinge device of the present invention is not only suitable for mobile phones, but as mentioned above, it can be widely used in foldable electronic devices, in which a flexible display panel is assembled on the upper surface of the first shell and the second shell of the electronic device, and the multi-axis hinge device links the first shell and the second shell so that they can be opened and closed.

Claims

1. A multi-axis hinge device, which is provided on the lower side of a flexible display panel of an electronic device equipped with the flexible display panel, the flexible display panel spans the two surfaces of a first shell and a second shell, the multi-axis hinge device connects the first shell and the second shell so that they can be opened and closed with each other, the multi-axis hinge device comprising: a substrate disposed along the left-right direction on the sides of respective rear end portions of the first shell and the second shell facing each other; A front side plate and a rear side plate, which are respectively arranged on the front and rear sides of the substrate to rotate by a first hinge pin and a second hinge pin; The first assembly plate and the second assembly plate are assembled to the substrate through the first shaft support pin portion and the second shaft support pin portion so as to be rotated, and are assembled to the free end sides of the front side plate and the rear side plate through the third hinge pin and the fourth hinge pin so as to be slidable and rotated, so that the free end sides are assembled to the rear end portions of the first shell and the second shell; a space portion formed between the substrate, the front side plate and the rear side plate, and accommodating a folded portion of the flexible display panel generated when the first shell and the second shell are closed; A synchronous rotation mechanism, which causes the front side plate and the rear side plate to rotate synchronously with the opening and closing of the first shell and the second shell; as well as A force applying mechanism, which applies force to the front side plate and the rear side plate in a closing direction and maintains the front side plate and the rear side plate in a closed state and an open state; Wherein, the force applying mechanism comprises: A plurality of compression coil springs, which are disposed on the substrate and are compressed in a front-rear direction relative to the substrate; a pair of sliding cams disposed at both ends of the plurality of compression coil springs; and A pair of cam followers are provided on the front side plate and the rear side plate, and along with the rotation of the first hinge pin and the second hinge pin, the slide cam slides and compresses the plurality of compression coil springs from the front-rear direction.

2. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 1, further comprising a tension adjustment mechanism, which moves at least one of the first assembly plate and the second assembly plate maintained in an open state by the force applying mechanism in a front-rear direction corresponding to the tension of the flexible display panel to adjust the tension of the flexible display panel, The tension adjustment mechanism includes a slide and a compression coil spring. The slide is adjacent to at least one of the third hinge pin and the fourth hinge pin to make it slide in the front-rear direction. The compression coil spring is arranged between at least one of the first assembly plate and the second assembly plate and the slide.

3. According to the multi-axis hinge device according to claim 1, the synchronous rotation mechanism is assembled on the substrate through a third axis support pin portion so as to be rotated, and is composed of a first rod gear and a second rod gear meshing, wherein the first rod gear is driven to rotate by the first hinge pin of the front side plate; the second rod gear is assembled on the substrate through a fourth axis support pin portion so as to be rotated, and is driven to rotate by the second hinge pin of the rear side plate.

4. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 3, wherein the synchronous rotation mechanism further comprises a suction mechanism, wherein the suction mechanism attracts the front side plate and the rear side plate to a closed state and an open state and stops the rotation of the front side plate and the rear side plate. The suction mechanism comprises: A fixed cam plate connected to the third shaft support pin portion and the fourth shaft support pin portion so as to be rotatable; a pair of rotating cam plates, whose concave and convex surfaces overlap with the fixed cam plate, respectively fixing the rotation of the third shaft support pin portion and the fourth shaft support pin portion; and A compression spring member compresses the fixed cam plate and the rotating cam plate to make them overlap.

5. A multi-axis hinge device, which is provided on the lower side of a flexible display panel of an electronic device equipped with the flexible display panel, the flexible display panel spans over the two surfaces of a first shell and a second shell, the multi-axis hinge device connects the first shell and the second shell so that they can be opened and closed mutually, the multi-axis hinge device comprising: a substrate disposed along the left-right direction on the sides of respective rear end portions of the first shell and the second shell facing each other; A front side plate and a rear side plate, which are respectively arranged on the front and rear sides of the substrate to rotate by a first hinge pin and a second hinge pin; The first assembly plate and the second assembly plate are assembled to the substrate through the first shaft support pin portion and the second shaft support pin portion so as to be rotated, and assembled to the free end sides of the front side plate and the rear side plate through the third hinge pin and the fourth hinge pin so as to be slidable and rotated, so that the free end sides are assembled to the rear end portions of the first shell and the second shell; a space portion formed between the substrate, the front side plate and the rear side plate, and accommodating a folded portion of the flexible display panel generated when the first shell and the second shell are closed; A synchronous rotation mechanism, which causes the front side plate and the rear side plate to rotate synchronously with the opening and closing of the first shell and the second shell; as well as a tension adjustment mechanism, which enables at least one of the first assembly plate and the second assembly plate ready to enter the open state to move in the front-rear direction corresponding to the tension of the flexible display panel to adjust the tension of the flexible display panel, The tension adjustment mechanism comprises: a slider that abuts against at least one of the third hinge pin and the fourth hinge pin to slide in the front-rear direction; and A compression coil spring is provided between at least one of the first assembly plate and the second assembly plate and the slider.

6. An electronic device using the multi-axis hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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