Electronic device and method of manufacturing electronic device

Abstract

The present application relates to an electronic device and a manufacturing method of an electronic device. The present application aims to suppress generation of a wrinkle in a display having a region capable of being bent. The electronic device includes: a first frame member; a second frame member rotatably connected to the first frame member; a first plate supported by the first frame member; a second plate supported by the second frame member and arranged with a gap between the first plate; a display formed in a sheet shape having flexibility; a first fastening portion for fixing the first plate with respect to the first frame member; a second fastening portion for fixing the second plate with respect to the second frame member; and a pressing member for applying tension to a bent region of the display by pressing the first plate with respect to the first frame member in a direction away from the second plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device comprising multiple frame components rotatably connected relative to each other, and a method for manufacturing the electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] The applicant has proposed an electronic device that is constructed by using flexible displays such as organic EL (Electro Luminescence) in a way that not only the frame but also the display can be bent (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6971354

[0004] Flexible displays have a bending area across the left and right frame components. This bending area needs to be free and not fixed to other components. Therefore, when the display is opened into a flat shape, the bending area produces convex wrinkles or ripples, which reduces visibility or appearance quality.

[0005] Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes a method to apply tension to the bending area by arranging two plates with their adjacent edges abutting each other in a roughly V-shape and fixing the display thereon, thereby allowing the plates to return to a flat plate shape. However, this method achieves tension in the bending area by abutting the two plates together. Therefore, this method cannot be applied to structures where the adjacent edges of the two plates are not abutted together, but rather a gap is provided between them, and other components such as hinge devices are arranged there. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention was made in view of the problems of the prior art described above, and its object is to provide an electronic device capable of suppressing the generation of wrinkles in a display having a bendable area, and a method for manufacturing the electronic device.

[0007] The electronic device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a first frame member; a second frame member adjacent to and rotatably connected to the first frame member; a first plate supported on the first frame member; a second plate supported on the second frame member and arranged with a gap between it and the first plate; a display formed as a flexible sheet, having a first region fixed to the surface of the first plate, a second region fixed to the surface of the second plate, and a bendable region disposed between the first region and the second region in a manner spanning the gap; a first fastening portion for fixing the first plate relative to the first frame member; a second fastening portion for fixing the second plate relative to the second frame member; and a pressing member for applying tension to the bendable region of the display by pressing the first plate relative to the first frame member in a direction away from the second plate.

[0008] The second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electronic device comprising a first frame member and a second frame member rotatably connected to each other, comprising: a first step of fixing a first region of a display formed as a flexible sheet to the surface of a first plate, and fixing a second region to the surface of a second plate arranged with a gap between the first plate and the second plate, forming a bending region that can be bent between the first region and the second region across the gap; a second step of fixing the second plate relative to the second frame member after the first step; a third step of pressing the first plate relative to the first frame member in a direction away from the second plate by mounting a pressing member to the first plate after the second step, thereby applying tension to the bending region of the display; and a fourth step of fixing the first plate relative to the first frame member while the bending region of the display is under tension after the third step.

[0009] According to the above-described method of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the formation of wrinkles in displays having bendable areas. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically representing the state in which an electronic device according to one embodiment is turned off and in a 0-degree orientation.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a schematic representation of what will Figure 1 The image shows a 3D view of the electronic device in a 180-degree orientation when it is turned on.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a schematic representation Figure 2A top view of the internal structure of the electronic device shown.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a schematic representation Figure 3 A bottom view of the internal structure of the electronic device shown.

[0014] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the VV line.

[0015] Figure 6 It means to make Figure 5 The electronic device shown is a schematic three-dimensional cross-sectional view in a 0-degree orientation state.

[0016] Figure 7 It's enlarged. Figure 4 A perspective view of the first frame component and a portion of the first plate shown.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a schematic side cross-sectional view that enlarges the main part of the electronic device having the pressing component involved in the first modified example.

[0018] Figure 9 It is a schematic side cross-sectional view that enlarges the main part of the electronic device having the pressing component involved in the second variation.

[0019] Figure 10A It is a schematic side cross-sectional view that enlarges the main part of the electronic device having the pressing component involved in the third variation.

[0020] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A schematic top view of the pressing component shown.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0022] 10…electronic device; 12A…first frame; 12B…second frame; 14…hinge device; 16…display; 17A…first frame component; 17B…second frame component; 20A…first plate; 20B…second plate; 28A…first fastener; 28B…second fastener; 48…first receiving part; 49…second receiving part; 50, 54, 56, 58…pressing component. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments are listed, and the electronic device involved in the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically showing the state in which the electronic device 10 according to one embodiment is turned off and in a 0-degree position. Figure 2It is a schematic representation of what will Figure 1 The diagram shows the electronic device 10 in a 180-degree orientation when it is turned on. Figure 3 It is a schematic representation Figure 2 A top view of the internal structure of the electronic device 10 shown.

[0025] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the electronic device 10 includes a first frame 12A and a second frame 12B, a hinge device 14, and a display 16. The electronic device 10 of this embodiment exemplifies a tablet PC or laptop PC that can be folded like a book. The electronic device 10 could also be a smartphone or a portable game console, etc.

[0026] Each frame 12A, 12B is arranged adjacent to each other. The first frame 12A includes a first frame member 17A and a first cover member 18A. The first frame member 17A is a rectangular frame-shaped member with vertical walls formed on three sides other than the first edge 17Aa adjacent to the second frame 12B. The first cover member 18A is a plate-shaped member that closes the back opening of the first frame member 17A (see also...). Figure 5 Similarly, the second frame 12B includes a second frame member 17B forming vertical walls on three sides other than the second edge portion 17Ba adjacent to the first frame 12A, and a second cover member 18B closing the rear opening of the second frame member 17B. The surface openings of the frame members 17A and 17B are closed by the display 16.

[0027] Each component 17A, 17B, 18A, and 18B is made of metal components such as stainless steel, magnesium, and aluminum, or fiber-reinforced resin boards containing reinforcing fibers such as carbon fiber.

[0028] Hinges 14 connect frames 12A and 12B in a rotatable manner. Figure 1 The ridge covering the gap between the edge portions 17Aa and 17Ba formed in the 0-degree orientation shown functions as a cover. The display 16 extends across the frame between the housings 12A and 12B.

[0029] Hereinafter, for the electronic device 10, the arrangement direction of the frames 12A and 12B will be referred to as the X direction, the direction perpendicular to them along the edges 17Aa and 17Ba will be referred to as the Y direction, and the thickness direction of the frames 12A and 12B will be referred to as the Z direction. Regarding the X direction, sometimes the direction from the second frame 12B toward the first frame 12A is also referred to as the X1 direction, and the opposite direction is also referred to as the X2 direction. In addition, regarding the angular orientation between the frames 12A and 12B, the state in which they are stacked in an overlapping manner in the planar direction is referred to as the 0-degree orientation (see reference). Figure 1The state in which two objects are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the plane (X direction) is called a 180-degree pose (see reference). Figure 2 To illustrate, we can use the following: Angles between 0 degrees and 180 degrees can be considered appropriate angles. For example, the orthogonal orientation of the faces of frames 12A and 12B is considered a 90-degree angle. These angles are for ease of explanation, but in actual products, they may deviate slightly from the precise angle positions indicated by the numerical angles.

[0030] Figure 4 It is a schematic representation Figure 3 A bottom view of the internal structure of the electronic device 10 shown. Figure 4 This is a view from the bottom side showing the frames 12A and 12B with the cover components 18A and 18B removed. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the VV line. Figure 6 It means to make Figure 5 The illustrated electronic device 10 is shown in a schematic three-dimensional cross-sectional view in a 0-degree orientation.

[0031] exist Figure 1 and Figure 6 In the 0-degree orientation shown, frames 12A and 12B are folded in half. The display 16 is, for example, a paper-like flexible display formed of organic EL. In the 0-degree orientation, the display 16 is configured as follows: Figure 2 The first region R1 on the side of the first frame 12A and the second region R2 on the side of the second frame 12B are opposite each other, and the boundary region between regions R1 and R2, that is, the bending region R3, is bent into an arc shape. Figure 2 and Figure 5 In the 180-degree orientation shown, frames 12A and 12B are arranged side-by-side. At this time, areas R1, R2, and the bent area R3 of the display 16 are arranged on the XY plane, forming a flat plate shape.

[0032] The first region R1 of the display 16 is fixed relative to the first frame 12A, and the second region R2 is fixed relative to the second frame 12B. Specifically, the back surface 16a of the first region R1 is fixed to the first frame 12A via the first plate 20A, and the back surface 16a of the second region R2 is fixed to the second frame 12B via the second plate 20B. The bending region R3 of the display 16 is supported by the first support plate 22A, the hinge body 23, and the second support plate 22B constituting the hinge device 14.

[0033] like Figures 3-6As shown, plates 20A and 20B clamp the hinge device 14 between each other and are positioned on the left and right sides, respectively, and support the back surface 16a of the display 16 by their respective surfaces 20Aa and 20Ba. A first region R1 of the back surface 16a of the display 16 is fixed to the surface 20Aa of the first plate 20A, and a second region R2 is fixed to the surface 20Ba of the second plate 20B. Regions R1 and R2 are fixed to plates 20A and 20B, for example, using adhesive material 19 such as double-sided tape (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0034] Plates 20A and 20B are composed of a base 24 and a metal frame 25. The base 24 is, for example, a carbon fiber reinforced resin plate made by impregnating carbon fibers with a matrix resin such as epoxy resin. The metal frame 25 is, for example, formed of magnesium alloy, and is fixed to the outer peripheral edge of the back surface 24a of the base 24. Since plates 20A and 20B are carbon fiber reinforced resin plates, high flatness can be ensured, and thinness and lightness can be achieved. However, with carbon fiber reinforced resin plates, there is a concern that carbon fibers may fall off in powder form from the outer peripheral end face (edge), and shaping and threading are also difficult. Therefore, plates 20A and 20B are fixed to the metal frame 25 by means of adhesives to surround the outer peripheral end face of the base 24 and the outer edge of the back surface 24a.

[0035] The first plate 20A is supported by the first frame component 17A. The second plate 20B is supported by the second frame component 17B. Figure 5 In the 180-degree orientation shown, plates 20A and 20B are arranged along the X direction with a gap G between their opposing edges 20Ab and 20Bb. The bending region R3 of the display 16 is configured to span this gap G, and its back surface 16a is supported by a hinge device 14 configured to fill the gap G.

[0036] A plurality of bosses 26 are formed on the metal frame 25 of the first plate 20A. Each boss 26 is, for example, truncated cone-shaped, and has a threaded hole 26a forming an internal thread on its inner circumferential surface. Each boss 26 is configured to protrude from the back surface 24a of the base 24 and be arranged along the outer periphery of the first plate 20A. Figure 5 The specific structure of the boss 26 and threaded hole 26a on the second plate 20B side is only shown in the example, but the structure of the boss 26 and threaded hole 26a on the first plate 20A side can also be the same or identical.

[0037] The first frame component 17A has an elongated hole 17Ab, which is approximately elliptical in shape and extends in the X direction, at the position where it overlaps with each threaded hole 26a (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 7 Each elongated hole 17Ab is for bolt 27 to be inserted and engages with each threaded hole 26a (see reference). Figure 7Therefore, the first plate 20A is fastened to the first frame component 17A using bolts 27. That is, the threaded hole 26a, the elongated hole 17Ab, and the bolts 27 constitute the first fastening part 28A for fastening the first plate 20A to the first frame component 17A.

[0038] Similarly, the metal frame 25 of the second plate 20B is also provided with a plurality of bosses 26 forming threaded holes 26a (see reference). Figure 5 However, the second frame component 17B has a circular hole 17Bb at the position where it overlaps with each threaded hole 26a of the second plate 20B (see reference). Figure 4 The second plate 20B is fastened to the second frame component 17B by bolts 27 that pass through the holes 17Bb and engage with the threaded holes 26a. That is, the threaded holes 26a, the holes 17Bb, and the bolts 27 constitute the second fastening part 28B that fastens the second plate 20B to the second frame component 17B.

[0039] The base 24 may not be made of carbon fiber reinforced resin board, but rather of metal or resin material. In this case, the metal frame 25 may be omitted, and the threaded hole 26a may be provided in the base 24.

[0040] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the bending region R3 of the display 16 can move relative to the frame 12A and 12B. In the 180-degree position, the back surface 16a of the bending region R3 is supported by the hinge body 23 and the support plates 22A and 22B. In the 0-degree position, the bending region R3 is bent into an arc shape, with a portion of the back surface 16a supported by the support plates 22A and 22B, and most of it separated from the hinge device 14.

[0041] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the hinge device 14 of this embodiment has a hinge body 23, a first support plate 22A and a second support plate 22B.

[0042] The hinge body 23 is positioned across the edges 17Aa and 17Ba of the frames 12A and 12B, extending approximately the entire length of the edges 17Aa and 17Ba in the Y direction. The hinge body 23 is a block-shaped component made of a metal material such as aluminum. Two hinge axes 14A and 14B, arranged in the X direction in a 180-degree orientation, are supported on the hinge body 23.

[0043] The first end of the first link arm 30A is supported on the first hinge axis 14A in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis. The first end of the second link arm 30B is supported on the second hinge axis 14B in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis. The link arms 30A and 30B have a dart-shaped curved shape that gradually approaches the inner surfaces 12Ab and 12Bb of the frames 12A and 12B in a direction away from the hinge axes 14A and 14B.

[0044] The second end of the first link arm 30A is rotatably connected to the first bracket 31A via a rotating shaft 34. The first bracket 31A is fastened together with the first frame component 17A and the first plate 20A by bolts 27. The second end of the second link arm 30B is rotatably connected to the second bracket 31B via a rotating shaft 35. The second bracket 31B is fastened together with the second frame component 17B and the second plate 20B by bolts 27. Figure 5 The diagram only illustrates the structure of fixing the second bracket 31B to the second frame component 17B, but the structure of fixing the first bracket 31A to the first frame component 17A can be the same or identical except that it is symmetrical to the first bracket 31A.

[0045] Link arms 30A and 30B and brackets 31A and 31B are arranged in multiple configurations along the length (Y direction) of the hinge body 23 (see reference). Figure 3 Thus, the hinge body 23 connects the frames 12A and 12B in a rotatable manner. Within the hinge body 23, there is also a gear mechanism that synchronizes the rotational movements of the frames 12A and 12B, and a torque mechanism that imparts a predetermined rotational torque to the rotational movements of the frames 12A and 12B. A ridge member 36, serving as a decorative cover, is installed on the outer surface of the hinge body 23.

[0046] exist Figure 5 In the 180-degree orientation shown, the hinge body 23 supports the back 16a of the bent area R3 of the display 16 by its surface 23a. At this time, the hinge body 23 and the ridge member 36 are housed within the frames 12A and 12B, arranged to span the adjacent or abutting edges 17Aa and 17Ba along the X direction. Figure 6 In the 0-degree orientation shown, the hinge body 23 and the spine member 36 are configured to block the gap between the inner surfaces of the significantly separated edges 17Aa and 17Ba, forming the spine of the electronic device 10 folded like a book. At this time, the electronic device 10 prevents a reduction in aesthetic design by exposing the spine member 36 on the outermost surface (see also...). Figure 1 ).

[0047] Support plates 22A and 22B are plates made of metal materials such as aluminum and have a symmetrical shape. Support plates 22A and 22B are provided on the inner surfaces 12Ab and 12Bb of the frames 12A and 12B and extend along the edges 17Aa and 17Ba in the Y direction, covering approximately the entire length.

[0048] A first support plate 22A is disposed between a first plate 20A and a hinge body 23. The edge portion of the first support plate 22A on the first plate 20A side is rotatably connected to the first bracket 31A via a rotation shaft 38. The edge portion of the first support plate 22A on the hinge body 23 side is movable relative to the hinge body 23. A second support plate 22B is disposed between a second plate 20B and a hinge body 23. The edge portion of the second support plate 22B on the second plate 20B side is rotatably connected to the second bracket 31B via a rotation shaft 39. The edge portion of the second support plate 22B on the hinge body 23 side is movable relative to the hinge body 23.

[0049] Support plates 22A and 22B swing about rotation axes 38 and 39 as the frames 12A and 12B rotate. In a 180-degree position, support plates 22A and 22B support the back surface 16a of the bent area R3 of the display 16 via their surfaces 22Aa and 22Ba. In angles other than 180 degrees, support plates 22A and 22B contact the display 16 with a gap between them or with a small force that will not deform the display 16 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the first frame 12A houses, for example, a motherboard 40 with a CPU and a secondary battery device 41, as well as various electronic components. The second frame 12B houses, for example, a main battery device 42, a display panel 43, and a daughter card 44, as well as various electronic components. The display panel 43 is the control board for the display 16. The daughter card 44 is, for example, a board with a power button, an external connector according to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, etc. Figure 7 Reference numeral 45 in the attached drawing is formed of a copper plate or the like and is configured to cover the mother plate 40 as a heat sink.

[0051] In this electronic device 10, the bending region R3 of the display 16 is not fixed to other components. Therefore, the bending region R3 is... Figure 5When the 180-degree orientation is shown, the hinge device 14 is positioned only on surfaces 22Aa, 22Ba, and 23a within the gap G between plates 20A and 20B. Therefore, there is a concern that the bending region R3 may develop convex wrinkles or ripples, reducing visibility and appearance quality. To address this, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment applies a tension T along the width direction (X direction) to the bending region R3, suppressing the formation of wrinkles or ripples.

[0052] Therefore, the construction of the bending region R3 of the display 16 that applies tension T will be described next. Figure 7 It's enlarged. Figure 4 A perspective view of a portion of the first frame component 17A and the first plate 20A shown.

[0053] like Figures 4-7 As shown, the electronic device 10 includes: a first receiving portion 48 disposed on a first frame member 17A; a second receiving portion 49 disposed on a first plate 20A; and a pressing member 50 disposed between the receiving portions 48 and 49.

[0054] The first receiving portion 48 is a vertical wall that protrudes upward from the inner surface of the first frame member 17A. The first receiving portion 48 is located below the edge portion 20Ab of the first plate 20A, that is, near the hinge device 14. That is, the first receiving portion 48 is located on the side closest to the first edge portion 17Aa, avoiding the hinge device 14, in the X-direction width of the first frame member 17A.

[0055] The second receiving portion 49 is formed on the metal frame 25 of the first plate 20A. The second receiving portion 49 protrudes from the back surface 24a of the base 24 and has, for example, a frustum-shaped cone. The second receiving portion 49 is disposed with a predetermined gap on the X1 side of the first receiving portion 48 and faces the X1 side surface of the first receiving portion 48. The second receiving portion 49 is provided with a threaded hole 49a with an internal thread formed on its inner circumferential surface.

[0056] The pressing member 50 is a metal leaf spring formed from a stainless steel plate or the like. The pressing member 50 has a base 50a and a spring portion 50b.

[0057] The base 50a has a through hole 50c at approximately the center for inserting a bolt 52. The bolt 52 is inserted through the through hole 50c and screwed into the threaded hole 49a of the second receiving part 49. Thus, the base 50a is fastened to the front end face of the second receiving part 49.

[0058] The spring portion 50b protrudes from the base 50a in the X2 direction and bends in a generally V-shape when viewed from the side. Thus, the spring portion 50b possesses a predetermined elasticity. The front end of the spring portion 50b abuts against the first receiving portion 48 in the direction protruding from the base 50a. Besides the V-shaped bend, the spring portion 50b can also be, for example, wavy or arc-shaped.

[0059] Therefore, the pressing member 50 generates a pressing force F that moves the first plate 20A relative to the first frame member 17A in the X1 direction. That is, the pressing member 50 presses the first plate 20A in a direction away from the second plate 20B (X1 direction). As a result, the first plate 20A is fixed to the first frame member 17A by the first fastening part 28A while being pressed by the pressing member 50 in a direction away from the second plate 20B. Furthermore, the second plate 20B is fixed to the second frame member 17B by the second fastening part 28B.

[0060] Therefore, in Figures 3-5 In the 180-degree orientation shown, the display 16 is stretched in the X1 direction away from the second region R2 fixed to the second plate 20B, specifically in the first region R1 of the first plate 20A. Consequently, the bending region R3 of the display 16 is stretched under tension T in the X direction (width direction), thus suppressing the formation of wrinkles or ripples. In this way, the pressing member 50 can apply tension T to the bending region R3 of the display 16 via the first plate 20A.

[0061] Next, the manufacturing method of the electronic device 10 will be described, and in particular, the assembly method of the display 16 relative to the frame components 17A and 17B will be explained.

[0062] First, a display assembly is formed by fixing regions R1 and R2 of the display 16 to plates 20A and 20B using adhesive material 19. At this time, a gap G is formed between the edges 20Ab and 20Bb of plates 20A and 20B.

[0063] Next, the display assembly is fixed to the frame components 17A and 17B. The frame components 17A and 17B are pre-assembled with hinge devices 14 and connected to each other in a state where they can rotate relative to each other.

[0064] First, the second fastening part 28B is tightened to fix the second plate 20B to the second frame component 17B. The hole 17Bb of the second frame component 17B is perfectly round. Therefore, the second fastening part 28B can accurately position and fix the second plate 20B and the second frame component 17B.

[0065] Next, the pressing member 50 is used to temporarily fix the first plate 20A relative to the first frame member 17A. That is, the pressing member 50 is fixed to the second receiving portion 49 of the first plate 20A using bolts 52, so that the spring portion 50b is supported between the opposing receiving portions 48 and 49. Here, the first region R1 of the display 16 is fixed to the first plate 20A, the second region R2 is fixed to the second plate 20B, and the bending region R3 is in a free state. Therefore, when the first plate 20A is stretched in the bending region R3, the pressing member 50 is locked to the first receiving portion 48. That is, the first plate 20A is temporarily fixed to the first frame member 17A when subjected to a pressing force F in the X1 direction away from the second plate 20B. At this time, the bending region R3 of the display 16 is subjected to a tension T in the X direction.

[0066] Finally, the first fastening part 28A is tightened to fix the first plate 20A to the first frame member 17A. Here, the elongated hole 17Ab of the first frame member 17A extends in the X direction. That is, the first fastening part 28A can fix the first plate 20A and the first frame member 17A in a manner that has a predetermined adjustment width in the X direction. Therefore, the first plate 20A is subjected to the pressing force F caused by the pressing member 50, and is in a state of being forced relative to the first frame member 17A in the X1 direction, but can be reliably fixed to the first frame member 17A at the desired X direction position.

[0067] Thus, the assembly process of the display 16 with respect to the frame components 17A and 17B is completed. Furthermore, before and after this assembly process, the motherboard 40, battery devices 41 and 42, etc., are installed on the frame components 17A and 17B, and appropriate wiring is connected. Then, the cover components 18A and 18B are fixed to the frame components 17A and 17B, thereby completing the manufacturing of the electronic device 10.

[0068] As described above, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment includes a display 16, which is formed as a flexible sheet and has a first region R1 fixed to a surface 20Aa of a first plate 20A, a second region R2 fixed to a surface 20Ba of a second plate 20B, and a bendable region R3 provided between regions R1 and R2 in a manner that spans the gap G between plates 20A and 20B. Furthermore, the electronic device 10 includes: a first fastening part 28A for fixing the first plate 20A relative to a first frame member 17; a second fastening part 28B for fixing the second plate 20B relative to the second frame member 17B; and a pressing member 50 for applying tension T to the bendable region R3 of the display 16 by pressing the first plate 20A relative to the first frame member 17A in a direction away from the second plate 20B.

[0069] Therefore, when the electronic device 10 is in a 180-degree position, the bending area R3 of the display 16 is stretched by a tension T in the X direction, thus suppressing the formation of wrinkles or ripples. In particular, the electronic device 10 has a structure with a gap G between the plates 20A and 20B, but by applying the pressing force F of the pressing member 50, the pressing force F in the direction away from the plate can be reliably applied between the plates 20A and 20B, applying a tension T to the bending area R3 of the display 16 that spans the gap G.

[0070] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, multiple pressing members 50 are provided along the edge portion 20Ab of the first plate 20A. In this embodiment, two pressing members 50 are respectively provided near both ends of the edge portion 20Ab in the Y direction. In addition, receiving portions 48 and 49 are also provided at positions corresponding to each pressing member 50. Thus, the first plate 20A is simultaneously subjected to pressing force F by the multiple pressing members 50 arranged along the Y direction. Therefore, the electronic device 10 can more evenly apply tension T to the bending region R3 in the Y direction, and can also prevent the first plate 20A from rotating in the XY plane.

[0071] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the pressing member 50 is positioned closer to the second plate 20B than the center of the width direction in the X direction of the first plate 20A, and preferably positioned as close as possible to the end face of the edge portion 20Ab. That is, the electronic device 10 is a structure in which the bending region R3 is stretched using the first plate 20A. Therefore, consider a structure where the pressing member 50, which applies a pressing force F to the first plate 20A, is positioned away from the bending region R3. In this structure, it is also assumed that manufacturing tolerances in the X direction width of the first plate 20A, the intersection between the receiving portions 48 and 49, and minor positional offsets are transmitted to the bending region R3 in an amplified state, potentially causing excessive increases or decreases in the tension T of the bending region R3. Therefore, by positioning the pressing member 50 as close as possible to the bending region R3, adjusting the tension T applied to the bending region R3 becomes easier, and the generation of wrinkles or ripples can be suppressed with higher precision.

[0072] The pressing member 50 is an elastic member with a spring portion 50b. Therefore, the pressing member 50 continues to apply pressing force F to the first plate 20A even after the first fastening portion 28A is tightened. Thus, in the electronic device 10, even when the first fastening portion 28A is loosened, the pressing member 50 continues to apply tension T to the bending area R3, thereby suppressing the generation of wrinkles or ripples for a long time.

[0073] In this electronic device 10, the first fastening part 28A secures the first plate 20A to the first frame member 17A with an adjustment width in the X direction equal to the length of the elongated hole 17Ab. On the other hand, the second fastening part secures the second plate 20B to the second frame member 17B with virtually no adjustment width in the X direction. Therefore, the second plate 20B, without the pressing member 50 installed, can be positioned and secured to the second frame member 17B with higher precision. Furthermore, the first plate 20A, which requires positional adjustment by the pressing member 50, can be secured to the first frame member 17A within the adjustment width based on the elongated hole 17Ab. Therefore, the first plate 20A can be secured to the first frame member 17A with greater reliability while maintaining the tension T based on the bending area R3 of the pressing member 50.

[0074] Figure 8 It is a schematic side cross-sectional view that enlarges the main part of the electronic device 10 having the pressing member 54 involved in the first modified example.

[0075] Figure 8 The pressing component 54 shown is Figure 5 The difference between the pressing member 50 shown and the elastic member is that the elastic member is made of a coil spring instead of a leaf spring. In this case, the second receiving portion 49 can be formed by a protrusion without a threaded hole 49a. The pressing member 54 locks each end of the coil spring into the receiving portions 48 and 49 respectively, and is in a compressed state between the receiving portions 48 and 49. Therefore, such a pressing member 54 can also apply a pressing force F to the first plate 20A and a tension T to the bending region R3.

[0076] Figure 9 It is a schematic side cross-sectional view that enlarges the main part of the electronic device 10 having the pressing member 56 involved in the second variation.

[0077] Figure 9 The pressing component 56 shown is not Figure 5 Instead of an elastic component like the pressing member 50 shown, it is constructed of a bolt, which is a rigid body. In this case, the second receiving portion 49 has a threaded hole 49b extending laterally along the X direction. The pressing member 56 is inserted into the threaded hole 49b of the second receiving portion 49 in a screw-on state, with its front end abutting against the first receiving portion 48. Therefore, by adjusting the tightening amount relative to the threaded hole 49b, such a pressing member 56 can apply a pressing force F to the first plate 20A and a tension T to the bending region R3.

[0078] Figure 10A It is a schematic side cross-sectional view that enlarges the main part of the electronic device 10 having the pressing member 58 involved in the third variation. Figure 10B This is a schematic top view of the pressing component 58.

[0079] Figure 10A and Figure 10B The pressing component 58 shown is not Figure 5 Instead of an elastic component like the pressing member 50 shown, this pressing member 58 has a rigid cam 58a and a threaded portion 58b. The cam 58a is a cam component with a generally elliptical or generally triangular shape. The threaded portion 58b protrudes from one side of the cam 58a and is located in an eccentric position. The threaded portion 58b of the pressing member 58 engages with the threaded hole 49a of the second receiving portion 49 and is fixed to the second receiving portion 49. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the cam 58a is pressed against the first receiving portion 48. Therefore, by adjusting the abutment position of the outer peripheral surface of the cam 58a relative to the first receiving portion 48, this pressing member 58 can apply a pressing force F to the first plate 20A and a tension T to the bending area R3.

[0080] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can of course be freely modified within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0081] The above example illustrates an electronic device 10 that can be folded in half like a book. However, in addition to the structure of folding frames of the same shape in half, the present invention can also be applied to various structures, such as a double-door structure in which smaller frames are foldably connected to the left and right edges of a larger frame, an S-shaped folding structure in which frames with different folding directions are connected to the left and right edges of a frame, and a J-shaped folding structure in which smaller frames are foldably connected to the left and right edges of a larger frame. The number of frames connected can also be 4 or more.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that, have: First frame component; The second frame component is adjacent to the first frame component and is rotatably connected to the first frame component; The first plate is supported on the first frame component; The second plate is supported on the second frame component and is arranged with a gap between it and the first plate; The display is formed as a flexible sheet and has a first region fixed to the surface of the first plate, a second region fixed to the surface of the second plate, and a bendable region disposed between the first region and the second region in a manner that spans the gap. The first fastening part fixes the first plate relative to the first frame component; The second fastening part fixes the second plate relative to the second frame component; as well as The pressing component applies tension to the bending area of ​​the display by pressing the first plate relative to the first frame component in a direction away from the second plate. The first frame component has a first receiving portion. The first plate has a second receiving portion opposite to the first receiving portion. The pressing component is a bolt or cam that applies the pressing force in the opposite direction between the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing member presses the first plate relative to the first frame member at a position closer to the second plate than the center of the first plate in the width direction along the distance direction.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first plate has an edge portion extending in a direction orthogonal to the distance direction and facing the gap. The pressing component is provided in multiple parts along the edge.

4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first fastening part can fix the relative position of the first plate and the first frame component in the distance direction with a specified adjustment width. The second fastener secures the relative positions of the second plate and the second frame component in the distance direction in a manner that substantially does not adjust the width.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first fastening part has: An elongated hole is provided in the first frame component and extends along the distance direction; A threaded hole is provided on the first plate; and The bolt passes through the elongated hole and engages with the threaded hole.

6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The electronic device also includes a hinge mechanism that rotatably connects the first frame component and the second frame component between a first posture in which they are stacked in a planar direction and a second posture in which they are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the planar direction. In the second posture, the hinge device is configured to fill the gap between the first plate and the second plate and support the bending area of ​​the display.

7. A method for manufacturing an electronic device, comprising a first frame component and a second frame component rotatably connected relative to each other, characterized in that, have: In the first step, a first region of a display formed as a flexible sheet is fixed to the surface of a first plate, and a second region is fixed to the surface of a second plate arranged with a gap between it and the first plate, forming a state in which a bendable region spans the gap between the first region and the second region. The second step, after the first step, is to fix the second plate relative to the second frame component; In the third step, after the second step, tension is applied to the bending area of ​​the display by pressing the first plate relative to the first frame component in a direction away from the second plate by installing the pressing component onto the first plate. as well as In the fourth step, after the third step, while maintaining constant tension on the bending area of ​​the display, the first plate is fixed relative to the first frame component. The first frame component has a first receiving portion. The first plate has a second receiving portion opposite to the first receiving portion. The pressing component is a bolt or cam that applies the pressing force in the opposite direction between the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion.

Images