Hinge device for foldable devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a linkage device for a foldable device, and more particularly, to a linkage device which supports a flexible display in a single plane when unfolded and which can ensure a remaining space when folded, thereby preventing damage to the flexible display, which ensures a maximum remaining space when folded and a display supported by a single plane when unfolded with a minimum number of components, which can rotate the first device and the second device symmetrically without additional synchronization components, which can be integrally formed with the housing without being combined with the first device and the second device, and which can prevent the inflow of foreign substances from the root cause during folding or unfolding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hinge device installed in the folding or unfolding portion of a foldable device. More specifically, the foldable device, as a device with a structure suitable for flexible displays and capable of being folded and unfolded, has a foldable hinge device provided in the central portion of the foldable device. This invention relates to a hinge device that ensures stable support for the display while maintaining a flat state during unfolding, in order to maximize the remaining space of the radius of curvature of the folding portion when folded. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, curved displays, such as those for bending surfaces, have become increasingly popular in addition to existing flat panel displays. Furthermore, foldable or unfoldable displays, such as foldable devices, are being mass-produced.

[0003] Foldable devices, as instruments primarily designed for flexible display panels, differ from existing LCDs, OLEDs, and other glass substrates where display panels are formed on rigid substrates. Instead, they form circuitry on a bendable substrate, enabling the display of images even when bent.

[0004] Because this type of foldable device is a bending or folding instrument, the foldable part is more likely to be damaged than the non-foldable part, and when unfolded, it needs to maintain a flatness like an FPD.

[0005] However, existing FPDs (Flexible Printed Displays) are basically not involved in folding and therefore lack folding structures. A typical hinge can be taken as an example; however, directly applying a simple folding or unfolding hinge to flexible substrates such as foldable displays results in a radius of curvature that is too small during folding, potentially damaging the display of foldable devices and making it unsuitable for use in foldable devices.

[0006] To address this issue, Korean Patent No. 10-1875855 discloses a hinge device for existing foldable display devices. Patent No. 855 discloses a hinge device that supports a flexible panel via a first main body, a second main body, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The first and second main bodies are foldable and connected via a hinge component. When folded, the radius of curvature of the flexible panel is maintained to some extent, and when unfolded, the display is supported by the first and second brackets. However, when the first and second main bodies are combined via separate hinge components with two rotation axes, and when folded, the radius of curvature of the flexible display is formed within the space created by the first and second brackets extending from the first and second main bodies. Therefore, there is a limitation on increasing the radius of curvature of the display when folded. Furthermore, there is a gap at the contact point between the first and second brackets. Therefore, during repeated folding / unfolding, fold marks are only generated at the folded portion of the flexible panel, and the panel cannot be supported by a completely flat surface when unfolded. In addition, the hinge device has many necessary components, making operation complex, and with multiple rotation axes, there is a possibility that the left and right main bodies of the hinge device may operate independently. Furthermore, to prevent such problems, separate synchronous configurations are required, and as the first and second bodies rotate around the rotation center respectively, there is a problem of durability degradation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] To address the problems described above, the present invention provides a hinge device for a foldable device, which can support a flexible display with a single plane when unfolded and maximize the remaining space when folded, thus preventing damage to the flexible display. Furthermore, it maximizes the remaining space when folded with a minimal configuration while supporting the display with a single plane when unfolded. Moreover, it allows for symmetrical rotation of the first and second devices without the need for additional synchronization. The hinge device can be integrally formed with the housing and is not connected to the first and second devices, thereby preventing the inflow of foreign objects from the source during folding or unfolding.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] To achieve the objectives described above, the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention is characterized in that the hinge device is disposed at the 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 portion formed on one side of the first device; a second pivot portion formed on one side of the second device; a first connecting portion including 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; a second connecting portion including a third link portion and a fourth link portion, wherein the third link portion is rotatably connected to the second pivot portion and the first pivot portion, and the fourth link portion is foldably connected to the third link portion; and in the first device and the second device, guide portions are provided at the portions that respectively contact the second link portion and the fourth link portion for guiding the movement path of the second link portion and the fourth link portion.

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

[0012] Furthermore, the first and second curved holes are curved shapes with the same shape as the rotation trajectories of the first and third connecting parts.

[0013] Furthermore, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are engaged between the first device and the second device, forming a single planar support for the display of the foldable device when unfolded.

[0014] Furthermore, the guide portion forms a curved or inclined surface extending upward from the lower part of the first device and the second device. When unfolded, it guides one end of the second link portion and the fourth link portion to form a single plane in order to form the first link portion and the second link portion. When folded, it guides the second link portion and the fourth link portion to be close to the bottom of the first device and the second device.

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

[0016] Furthermore, a first reversal prevention portion extending downwards from the first or second link portion is formed therein, and a second reversal prevention portion extending downwards from the third or fourth link portion is formed therein. When unfolded, the first and second reversal prevention portions prevent the second and fourth link portions from rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] The foldable device of the present invention, as described above, forms a maximum radius of curvature for the flexible panel when folded, while maintaining a perfect single plane and providing stable support when unfolded.

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

[0020] Furthermore, by directly connecting the link structure and pivot of the foldable device, it can achieve durability suitable for large-sized foldable devices.

[0021] Furthermore, the hinge mechanism prevents foreign matter from flowing into the back of the display when folded or unfolded. Attached Figure Description

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

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

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

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

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

[0027] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the link portion of an example of the hinge device for preventing reverse rotation in the foldable device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The best way to implement an invention

[0029] To achieve the objectives described above, the hinge device for a foldable device of the present invention is characterized in that the hinge device is disposed at the 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 portion formed on one side of the first device; a second pivot portion formed on one side of the second device; a first connecting portion including 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; a second connecting portion including a third link portion and a fourth link portion, wherein the third link portion is rotatably connected to the second pivot portion and the first pivot portion, and the fourth link portion is foldably connected to the third link portion; and in the first device and the second device, guide portions are provided at the portions that respectively contact the second link portion and the fourth link portion for guiding the movement path of the second link portion and the fourth link portion.

[0030] Methods of implementing the invention

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

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

[0033] Foldable devices include flexible displays. When unfolded, the display is supported to maintain a flat state. When folded, it is necessary to ensure sufficient remaining space so that the radius of curvature of the folded portion of the display is maximized, avoiding the formation of a pointed tip. However, existing hinge mechanisms lack central support when unfolded, leading to wrinkles in the flexible display. Furthermore, there are limitations in maximizing the radius of curvature when folded. Additionally, the hinge mechanism is complex, with the left and right components joined around it. Therefore, additional components are needed to allow the left and right components to move independently or to synchronize their rotation, further complicating the hinge mechanism's design.

[0034] The foldable device of the present invention addresses these problems by providing a hinge mechanism at the folding / unfolding portion of the foldable device, centered on the folding section. This hinge mechanism includes a first pivot 140, a second pivot 240, a first connecting portion 100, and a second connecting portion 200. The first pivot 140 and the second pivot 240 are respectively located at the junction of the first device 10 and the second device 20. The first connecting portion 100 includes a first link 110 rotatably connected to the first pivot 140 and the second pivot 240, and a foldable link 110 connected to the first link 100. The second connecting part 120 is located at one end of the connecting part 110; the second connecting part 200 includes a third connecting part 210 and a fourth connecting part 220. The third connecting part 210 can be pivotally connected to the second pivot part 240 and the first pivot part 140. The fourth connecting part 220 can be foldably connected to one end of the third connecting part 210. In the first device 10 and the second device 20, guide parts are provided at the parts that contact the second connecting part 120 and the fourth connecting part 220 respectively, for guiding the movement path of the second connecting part 120 and the fourth connecting part when moving the upper and lower parts of the folding device during folding / unfolding.

[0035] The first connecting portion 100 of the present invention includes a first connecting portion 110 and a second connecting portion 120. The first connecting portion 110 is rotatably connected within a certain range of a first pivot portion 140 disposed on one side of the first device 10 and a second pivot portion 240 disposed on one side of the second device 20. The second connecting portion 120 is foldably connected via a first connecting portion 115 at one end of the first connecting portion 110. Similarly, the second connecting portion 200 includes a third connecting portion 210 and a fourth connecting portion 220. The third connecting portion 210 is rotatably connected within a certain range of a second pivot portion 240 disposed on the second device 20 and a first pivot portion 140 disposed on the first device 10. The fourth connecting portion 220 is foldably connected via a second connecting portion 215 at one end of the third connecting portion 210.

[0036] The present invention includes a first link portion 110 comprising a first connecting portion 100 and a third link portion 210 comprising a second connecting portion 200, which are respectively configured via a first device 10 and a second device 20. Therefore, the first link portion 110 and the third link portion 210 overlap in an interlocking shape between the first device 10 and the second device 20, and as the overlapping portion forms a single plane, the display can be seamlessly supported.

[0037] The following is for reference Figure 1 , 2 The connection relationship between the first connecting part 100, the second connecting part 200, the first device 10 and the second device 20 of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0038] The first connecting portion 110 of the present invention is rotatably connected to a first pivot portion 140 disposed on one side of the first device 10 and a second pivot portion 240 disposed on one side of the second device 20. Similarly, the third connecting portion 210 is also rotatably connected to the second pivot portion 240 and the first pivot portion 140. According to this configuration as described above, the first connecting portion 110 and the third connecting portion 210 are engaged in a meshing manner in the first device 10 and the second device 20. Both the first connecting portion 110 and the third connecting portion 210 are connected to the first pivot portion 140 and the second pivot portion 240, and are engaged in a meshing manner. Therefore, the portion of the third connecting portion 210 that is connected to the first pivot portion 140 is located within the first connecting portion 110. Therefore, during folding / unfolding, in order to rotate the first connecting portion 110, a first bending hole 150 is provided in the first connecting portion 110. The position and shape of the first bending hole 150 preferably have a shape that includes the position of the third connecting portion 210 connected to the first pivot portion 140 and the rotation trajectory of the first connecting portion 110. Similarly, a second bending hole 250 is provided in the third connecting portion 210, and the second bending hole 250 is provided at the location where the first connecting portion 110 is engaged with the second pivot portion 230. Figure 2 In the diagram, the first connecting part 110, which is connected to the first device 10 and the second device 20, is shown in red, and the connecting part 210, which is connected to the third connecting part, is shown in blue. The connection positions of the first connecting part 110 and the third connecting part 210, which are connected to the first pivot 140 and the second pivot 240, are arranged sequentially in a vertical direction. However, depending on various factors such as the thickness of the devices, the isolation distance between the first device 10 and the second device 20, and the shapes of the first connecting part 110 and the third connecting part 210, the specific connection positions may vary. Figure 5b As shown, the arrangement of the connecting positions can, of course, be different. Even if the arrangement of the connecting positions is different, when the first connecting part 110 and the third connecting part 210 are unfolded, they form a single flat support display. Of course, the shapes of the first connecting part 110 and the third connecting part 210 can vary depending on the arrangement of the connecting 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 connecting part 110 and the third connecting part 210. Therefore, it is preferable to set them 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 into a large hole that includes the rotation trajectory, but in order to improve the durability of the hinge device, it is preferable to set them in a curved shape that is consistent with the rotation trajectory.

[0040] The second link 120 and the fourth link 220 are foldably connected to the first link connection 115 of the first link 110 and the second link connection 215 of the third link 210, respectively. In the unfolded state, to firmly support the upper display, it is necessary to prevent the second link 120 from rotating counterclockwise around the first link connection 115 and the fourth link 220 from rotating clockwise around the second link connection 215. Therefore, the first link 110, the second link, the third link 210, and the fourth link 220 are folded downwards towards the display. However, assuming that the first link 110 and the third link 210 have elongated lower surfaces, while the second link 120 and the fourth link 220 have elongated upper surfaces, they will only rotate downwards during folding, and not upwards towards the display. Furthermore, a first reversal prevention part 160 and a second reversal prevention part 260 are provided, extending from the lower portions of the first link portion 110 and the third link portion 210 respectively, which contact one end of the second link portion 120 and the fourth link portion 220, thereby preventing each link portion from rising to the top of the single plane formed when unfolded. Conversely, as Figure 6 As shown, a first reversal prevention part 160 and a second reversal prevention part 260 may also be provided in the first linking part 110 and the third linking part 210. The above-described reversal prevention configuration not only prevents the individual linking parts from rising after a single plane is formed, but also improves the bonding force of the individual linking parts, thereby improving durability.

[0041] When unfolded, the guide portion 300 of the present invention forms a single plane with the second connecting portion 120 and the fourth connecting portion 220, thereby supporting the display. When folded, the second connecting portion 120 and the fourth connecting portion 220 are in close contact with the lower surfaces of the first device 10 and the second device 20. Therefore, the guide portion 300 is configured to guide the movement path of the second connecting portion 120 and the fourth connecting portion 220 when folded and unfolded. For this purpose, when unfolded, the second connecting portion 120 is guided to be in close contact with the first contact portion 15 of the first device 10, and the fourth connecting portion 220 is guided to be in close contact with the second contact portion 25 of the second device 20. Therefore, the shapes of the surfaces of the guide portion 300 that contact the second connecting portion 120 and the fourth connecting portion 220 are configured as follows: Figure 2 The shape of the line segment shown can also be formed as follows: Figure 4 The shape of the curved surface is shown. The shape that constitutes the curved surface can also induce the curvature of the display when folded, thus being more advantageous in improving the durability of the display.

Claims

1. A hinge device for a foldable apparatus, the hinge device being provided at a folding / unfolding site of a foldable apparatus including a first apparatus and a second apparatus, wherein, The foldable device hinge 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 rotatably connected to the first and second pivots and a second link portion foldably connected to the first link portion; a second connecting portion including a third link portion rotatably connected to the second and first pivots and a fourth link portion foldably connected to the third link portion, in the first and second devices, a guide portion is provided at a portion in contact with the second and fourth link portions, for guiding the movement path of the second and fourth link portions, in the first link portion, a first curved hole is formed at a portion where the third link portion is connected to the first pivot, and in the third link portion, a second curved hole is formed at a portion where the first link portion is connected to the second pivot, the first and second connecting portions are engaged between the first and second devices, and form a single flat support including a display of the foldable device when unfolded.

2. The foldable device hinge device of claim 1, wherein the curved shapes of the first and second curved holes are identical to the shapes of the rotational trajectories of the first and third link portions.

3. The foldable device hinge device of claim 1, wherein the guide portions form curved or inclined surfaces extending from lower portions to upper portions of the first and second devices, to induce one end of the second and fourth link portions to form a single flat when the first and second connecting portions are unfolded, and to induce the second and fourth link portions to be close to the lower surfaces of the first and second devices when folded.

4. The foldable device hinge device of claim 1, wherein the shapes of the contact surfaces of the first and second link portions and the third and fourth link portions have a tapered shape engaged at a certain inclination, so as to rotate in only one of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction when folded or unfolded.

5. The foldable device hinge device of claim 1, wherein a first reverse prevention portion extending from a lower portion of the second link portion to the first link portion is formed in the first link portion or the second link portion, a second reverse prevention portion extending from a lower portion of the fourth link portion to the third link portion is formed in the third link portion or the fourth link portion, the first and second reverse prevention portions prevent the second and fourth link portions from rotating in the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction after unfolding.

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