Hinge device for foldable equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a link device for a foldable device, and more particularly, to a link device for a foldable device, which supports a flexible display in a single plane when unfolded and can secure a remaining space when folded, thereby ensuring that the flexible display is prevented from being damaged, according to the present invention, the maximum residual space at the time of folding and the display supported by a single plane at the time of unfolding are ensured by a minimum configuration, a separate synchronization configuration is not required, a first device and a second device can be rotated symmetrically, and the hinge device can be configured integrally with a housing without being coupled to the first device and the second device. Therefore, the hinge device for the foldable equipment can prevent foreign matters from flowing in from the source in the folding or unfolding process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hinge device installed in a folding or unfolding portion of a foldable device. More specifically, the foldable device is a device that is suitable for a flexible display and can be folded and unfolded, and a foldable hinge device is provided in the central portion of the foldable device. The present invention relates to a hinge device that can ensure a remaining space for maximizing the curvature radius of the folding portion when folded, and maintain a flat state when unfolded so as to stably support the display. Background Art

[0002] Recently, displays with curved surfaces such as curved displays have become popularized from existing flat-panel displays. In addition, displays that can be folded or unfolded, such as foldable devices, are being mass-produced.

[0003] As a device basically suitable for flexible display panels, foldable devices do not form display panels on rigid substrates such as glass substrates of existing LCDs and OELDs, but form circuit elements on a flexible substrate, so that the device can display images even when bent.

[0004] Since such a foldable device is a device that is bent or folded, the foldable portion is more likely to be damaged than the unfolded portion, and when unfolded, it needs to maintain the flatness of the FPD.

[0005] However, existing FPDs basically do not involve folding, and therefore do not have a folding structure. A hinge is an example of a common hinge, but if a hinge that is simply folded or unfolded is directly applied to a flexible substrate such as a foldable display, the radius of curvature is too small when folded, which may damage the display of the foldable device and cannot be applied to the foldable device.

[0006] In order to solve this problem, a hinge device for an existing foldable display device is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1875855. Patent No. 855 discloses a structure in which a flexible panel is supported by a first body, a second body, and a first bracket and a second bracket. The first body and the second body are foldable and connected by a hinge component. When folded, the curvature radius of the flexible panel is maintained to a certain extent, and when unfolded, the hinge device of the display is supported by the first bracket and the second bracket. However, when the first body and the second body are combined by a separate hinge component having two rotation axes, and when folded, the curvature radius of the flexible display is formed in the space formed by the first bracket and the second bracket extending from the first body and the second body, so there is a limitation on increasing the curvature radius of the display when folded. In addition, there is a gap in the part where the first bracket contacts the second bracket, so when folding / unfolding is repeated, there is a problem that folding marks can only be generated in the folded part of the flexible panel, and the panel cannot be supported by a complete plane when unfolded. In addition, there are many necessary structures included in the hinge device, the operation is complicated, and there are many rotation axes, so there is a possibility that the left and right bodies of the hinge device operate separately. Furthermore, in order to prevent such a problem, a separate synchronization structure is required, and there is a problem that the durability is deteriorated as the first body and the second body rotate about the rotation center respectively. Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] In order to solve the problems as described above, the present invention provides a hinge device for a foldable device, which can support a flexible display by a single plane when unfolded, and can maximize the remaining space when folded, thereby preventing damage to the flexible display, and can maximize the remaining space when folded with a minimum configuration, and can support the display by a single plane when unfolded, and can symmetrically rotate the first device and the second device without the need for additional synchronization. The hinge device can be formed as an integral shell without being combined with the first device and the second device, thereby preventing the influx of foreign matter from the source during the folding or unfolding process.

[0009] Technical Solution

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention is characterized in that the hinge device is arranged at a folding / unfolding portion of a foldable device including a first device and a second device, wherein the hinge device for a foldable device includes: a first pivot formed on one side of the first device; a second pivot formed on one side of the second device; a first connecting portion including a first link portion and a second link portion, the first link portion being rotatably connected to the first pivot portion and the second pivot portion, and the second link portion being foldably connected to the first link portion; a second connecting portion including a third link portion and a fourth link portion, the third link portion being rotatably connected to the second pivot portion and the first pivot portion, and the fourth link portion being foldably connected to the third link portion, and in the first device and the second device, portions contacting the second link portion and the fourth link portion, respectively, are provided with guide portions for guiding the moving paths of the second link portion and the fourth link portion.

[0011] In addition, a first curved hole is formed at a location where the third link of the first link is connected to the first pivot, and a second curved hole is formed at a location where the first link of the third link is connected to the second pivot.

[0012] Furthermore, the first curved hole and the second curved hole are in a curved shape having the same shape as the rotational loci of the first link and the third link.

[0013] In addition, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are disposed in engagement between the first device and the second device, forming a single plane to support a display included in the foldable device when unfolded.

[0014] In addition, the guide portion forms a curved surface or an inclined surface extending from the lower part to the upper part of the first device and the second device. When unfolded, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion form a single plane to guide one end of the second link portion and the fourth link portion. When folded, the second link portion and the fourth link portion are induced to be tightly attached to the bottom of the first device and the second device.

[0015] In addition, the contact surfaces of the first link, the second link, the third link and the fourth link are meshed in a conical state with a certain inclination so that they can only rotate in either the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction when folded or unfolded.

[0016] In addition, a first anti-reversal portion extending toward the lower portion of the second link portion or the first link portion is formed on the first link portion or the second link portion, and a second anti-reversal portion extending toward the lower portion of the fourth link portion or the third link portion is formed on the third link portion or the fourth link portion. After unfolding, the first anti-reversal portion and the second anti-reversal portion prevent the second link portion and the fourth link portion from rotating in a clockwise direction or counterclockwise direction.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] The foldable device of the present invention constructed as described above can maintain the maximum curvature radius of the flexible panel when folded, and can maintain a perfect single plane and be stably supported when unfolded.

[0019] Furthermore, the two side devices of the foldable device can be rotated in a linked state without any additional configuration.

[0020] Furthermore, by directly connecting the link structure and the hinge of the foldable device, durability suitable for a large-sized foldable device can be achieved.

[0021] In addition, the hinge device can prevent foreign matter from flowing into the back of the display when folding or unfolding. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a hinge device for a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing a hinge device for a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention when it is unfolded.

[0025] Figure 4 2 is a cross-sectional view showing that the guide portion of the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention is formed into a curved surface.

[0026] Figure 5a , 5b The present invention is a cross-sectional view showing various forms of the first pivot and the second pivot of the hinge device for a foldable device according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a link portion of an example of a structure for preventing reverse rotation in a hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention is characterized in that the hinge device is arranged at a folding / unfolding portion of a foldable device including a first device and a second device, wherein the hinge device for a foldable device includes: a first pivot formed on one side of the first device; a second pivot formed on one side of the second device; a first connecting portion including a first link portion and a second link portion, the first link portion being rotatably connected to the first pivot portion and the second pivot portion, and the second link portion being foldably connected to the first link portion; a second connecting portion including a third link portion and a fourth link portion, the third link portion being rotatably connected to the second pivot portion and the first pivot portion, and the fourth link portion being foldably connected to the third link portion, and in the first device and the second device, portions contacting the second link portion and the fourth link portion, respectively, are provided with guide portions for guiding the moving paths of the second link portion and the fourth link portion.

[0030] Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] Hereinafter, the hinge device for a foldable device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a hinge device for a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is an exploded view showing a hinge device for a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the unfolding of the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing that the guide portion of the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention is formed as a curved surface, Figure 5a 5b is a cross-sectional view showing various forms of the first pivot and the second pivot of the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention, Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a link portion of an example of a structure for preventing reverse rotation in a hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention.

[0033] A foldable device includes a flexible display. When not folded, that is, when unfolded, the display is supported to maintain a flat state, and when folded, it is necessary to ensure a remaining space so that the radius of curvature of the folded portion of the display is maximized without forming a sharp point. However, the existing hinge device has no support structure in the central portion when unfolded, so that wrinkles occur in the flexible display, and there is a limitation in maximizing the radius of curvature of the display when folded. In addition, the structure of the hinge device is complicated and the left and right bodies are combined on the hinge device with the hinge device as the center. Therefore, in order to move the left and right bodies separately or synchronize the rotation of the left and right bodies, another structure is required, so there is a problem that the structure of the hinge device becomes complicated.

[0034] The foldable device of the present invention uses a hinge device as a solution to these problems. The hinge device is arranged at the folding / unfolding position of the foldable device including the first device 10 and the second device 20 arranged on both sides with the folding position as the center, including a first pivot 140, a second pivot 240, a first connecting part 100, and a second connecting part 200. The first pivot 140 and the second pivot 240 are respectively arranged at the parts where the first device 10 and the second device 20 are connected. The first connecting part 100 includes a first link part 110 rotatably connected to the first pivot 140 and the second pivot 240 and a first link part 110 foldably connected to the first link part 110. The second link part 120 is connected to one end of the connecting part 110; the second connecting part 200 includes a third link part 210 and a fourth link part 220, the third link part 210 can be pivotally connected to the second pivot 240 and the first pivot 140, the fourth link part 220 can be folded and connected to one end of the third link part 210 of the third link part 210, in the first device 10 and the second device 20, the parts that contact the second link part 120 and the fourth link part 220 respectively are provided with guiding parts, which are used to guide the moving paths of the second link part 120 and the fourth link part when moving the upper and lower parts of the folding device during folding / unfolding.

[0035] The first connection part 100 of the present invention includes a first link part 110 and a second link part 120, wherein the first link part 110 can be rotatably connected within a certain range between a first pivot part 140 provided at one side of the first device 10 and a second pivot part 240 provided at one side of the second device 20, and the second link part 120 is foldably connected via a first link connection part 115 at one end of the first link part 110. Similarly, the second connection part 200 includes a third link part 210 and a fourth link part 220, wherein the third link part 210 can be rotatably connected within a certain range between a second pivot part 240 provided at the second device 20 and a first pivot part 140 provided at the first device 10, and the fourth link part 220 can be foldably connected via a second link connection part 215 at one end of the third link part 210.

[0036] The first link portion 110 included in the first connection portion 100 and the third link portion 210 included in the second connection portion 200 of the present invention are respectively configured by the first device 10 and the second device 20. Therefore, the first link portion 110 and the third link portion 210 overlap in a meshed shape between the first device 10 and the second device 20, and as the overlapped portions form a single plane, the display can be seamlessly supported.

[0037] Below, refer to Figure 1 , 2 The connection relationship among the first connection part 100, the second connection part 200, the first device 10 and the second device 20 of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0038] The first link 110 of the present invention is rotatably connected to the first pivot 140 provided at one side of the first device 10 and the second pivot 240 provided at one side of the second device 20. Similarly, the third link 210 is also rotatably connected to the second pivot 240 and the first pivot 140. According to this configuration as described above, the first link 110 and the third link 210 are configured to mesh with each other in the first device 10 and the second device 20. The first link 110 and the third link 210 are both coupled to the first pivot 140 and the second pivot 240, and are meshedly coupled, so that the portion of the third link 210 coupled to the first pivot 140 is located inside the first link 110. Therefore, in order to rotate the first link 110 during folding / unfolding, the first curved hole 150 is provided in the first link 110, and the position and shape of the first curved hole 150 preferably have a shape including the position where the third link 210 is coupled to the first pivot 140 and the rotation trajectory of the first link 110. Similarly, the third link portion 210 is provided with a second bending hole 250, and the second bending hole 250 is provided at a location where the first link portion 110 is coupled to the second pivot portion 230. Figure 2 In the figure, the first link 110 is combined with the first device 10 and the second device 20 in red, and the third link 210 is combined in blue. The combined positions of the first link 110 and the third link 210 combined with the first pivot 140 and the second pivot 240 are arranged in sequence from the vertical direction, but according to various factors such as the thickness of the device, the isolation distance between the first device 10 and the second device 20, the shape of the first link 110 and the third link 210, such as Figure 5b As shown, the arrangement of the combined positions can of course be different. Even if the arrangement of the combined positions is different, when the first link 110 and the third link 210 are unfolded, a single plane is formed to support the display. Of course, the shapes of the first link 110 and the third link 210 can be different according to the arrangement of the combined positions of the first pivot 140 and the second pivot 240.

[0039] The first curved hole 150 and the second curved hole 250 need to rotate smoothly with the first link 110 and the third link 210, and therefore, they are preferably arranged in a curved shape according to the rotation trajectory. Of course, the first curved hole 150 and the second curved hole 250 can be formed as a large hole including the rotation trajectory, but in order to improve the durability of the hinge device, it is preferably arranged in a curved shape consistent with the rotation trajectory.

[0040] The second link 120 and the fourth link 220 are foldably coupled to the first link connection portion 115 of the first link 110 and the second link connection portion 215 of the third link 210, respectively. In the unfolded state, in order to firmly support the display located at the upper part, it is necessary to prevent the second link 120 from rotating counterclockwise around the first link connection portion 115 and the fourth link 220 from rotating clockwise around the second link connection portion 215. To this end, the first link 110 and the second link and the third link 210 and the fourth link 220 are folded and rotated toward the lower part of the display, but at this time, assuming that the first link 110 and the third link 210 have a shape with a long lower surface, while the second link 120 and the fourth link 220 have a long upper surface, they only rotate downward when folded, and do not fold toward the upper part of the display. In addition, the first reverse preventing portion 160 and the second reverse preventing portion 260 are provided to extend to the lower portion of the first link 110 and the third link 210 respectively contacting one end of the second link 120 and the fourth link 220, so as to prevent each link from rising to the top of the single plane formed when the links are deployed. Figure 6 As shown, the first reverse preventing part 160 and the second reverse preventing part 260 may be arranged on the first link part 110 and the third link part 210. The above reverse preventing structure not only prevents the rise of each link part after forming a single plane, but also improves the bonding strength of each link part, thereby improving the durability.

[0041] When the guide part 300 of the present invention is unfolded, the second link part 120 and the fourth link part 220 form a single plane with the first device 10 and the second device 20, thereby supporting the display, and when folded, the second link part 120 and the fourth link part 220 are in close contact with the lower surface of the first device 10 and the second device 20. Therefore, the guide part 300 is configured to perform the function of inducing the movement path of the second link part 120 and the fourth link part 220 when folded and unfolded. To this end, when unfolded, the second link part 120 is induced to be in close contact with the first contact part 15 of the first device 10, and the fourth link part 220 is induced to be in close contact with the second contact part 25 of the second device 20. Therefore, the shape of the surface of the guide part 300 in contact with the second link part 120 and the fourth link part 220 is configured as follows: Figure 2 The shape of the line segment shown can also be constructed as follows Figure 4 The shape of the curved surface shown. The shape of the curved surface can also induce the curvature of the display when folded, so it is more advantageous in terms of improving the durability of the display.

Claims

1. A hinge device for a foldable device, the hinge device being arranged at a folding / unfolding portion of the foldable device comprising a first device and a second device, wherein: The hinge device for the foldable device comprises: a first pivot portion formed on one side of the first device; a second pivot portion formed on one side of the second device; The first connecting portion includes a first link portion and a second link portion, wherein the first link portion is rotatably connected to the first pivot portion and the second pivot portion, and the second link portion is foldably connected to the first link portion; The second connecting part includes a third link part and a fourth link part, wherein the third link part is rotatably connected to the second pivot part and the first pivot part, and the fourth link part is foldably connected to the third link part. In the first device and the second device, guide parts are provided at the parts respectively contacting the second link part and the fourth link part, for guiding the moving paths of the second link part and the fourth link part.

2. The hinge device for a foldable device according to claim 1, wherein: In the first link, a first curved hole is formed at a portion where the third link is connected to the first pivot, and in the third link, a second curved hole is formed at a portion where the first link is connected to the second pivot.

3. The hinge device for a foldable device according to claim 2, wherein: The curved shapes of the first and second curved holes are the same as the shapes of rotational trajectories of the first and third link parts.

4. The hinge device for a foldable device according to claim 1, wherein: The first connection portion and the second connection portion are disposed in meshing relationship between the first device and the second device, and form a single plane to support a display included in the foldable device when unfolded.

5. The hinge device for a foldable device according to claim 1, wherein: The guide portion forms a curved surface or an inclined surface extending from the lower portion of the first device and the second device to the upper portion, When unfolded, one end of the second link part and the fourth link part is induced to form a single plane with the first link part and the second link part. When folded, the second link part and the fourth link part are induced to be close to the bottom of the first device and the second device.

6. The hinge device for a foldable device according to claim 1, wherein: The contact surfaces of the first link part, the second link part, the third link part and the fourth link part are meshed in a conical state with a certain inclination so that they can only rotate in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction when folded or unfolded.

7. The hinge device for a foldable device according to claim 1, wherein: A first reverse rotation preventing portion extending toward a lower portion of the second link portion or the first link portion is formed on the first link portion or the second link portion, A second reverse rotation preventing portion extending toward the lower portion of the fourth link portion or the third link portion is formed on the third link portion or the fourth link portion, After unfolding, the first reverse preventing portion and the second reverse preventing portion prevent the second link portion and the fourth link portion from rotating in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction.

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