Multi-axis hinge device and electronic device using the same

Abstract

To provide an electronic device provided with a mechanism for widening a storage part which stores a curve part of a flexible display sheet.SOLUTION: A multi-axis hinge device connects a first housing 1 with a second housing 2 in an openable and closable manner. The first housing and the second housing are connected to a base frame 7 which reaches both end parts facing each other with a pair of hinge shafts through a rotation control mechanism in such a manner that a predetermined space is formed therebetween in an anteroposterior direction and the first housing and the second housing can be opened or closed, and a synchronous rotation mechanism 9 and a suction mechanism 10 act on them. Further, a center plate 6 is provided in the predetermined space so as to be movable vertically through a vertical movement mechanism 11. As the first housing and the second housing are operated to be opened or closed, the center plate is moved upward through the vertical movement mechanism to be flush with surfaces of the first housing and the second housing and keep a flexible display sheet in a horizontal state in a fully opened state and moved downward in the predetermined space in a fully closed state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 29

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-axis hinge device suitable for use in various electronic devices such as notebook computers, mobile phones, electronic notebooks, PDAs, netbooks, etc., which is formed by attaching a flexible display sheet made of, for example, organic EL across both surfaces of a first housing and a second housing.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices such as notebook computers and mobile phones have been developed and are becoming available in the market, which are formed by attaching a single flexible display sheet made of organic EL across both surfaces of a first housing and a second housing. As a hinge device for connecting the first housing and the second housing of such an electronic device so as to be openable and closable with each other, a multi-axis hinge device using a plurality of hinge shafts is known from the following Patent Document 1. This multi-axis hinge device is configured such that a storage portion can be formed at a portion where the flexible display sheet bends when the first housing and the second housing are closed, and by forming a curved portion without the flexible display sheet being folded in half by this storage portion, it is possible to prevent the flexible display sheet from being folded and malfunctioning or being damaged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this case, the multi-axis hinge device is required to have enough room in the housing that accommodates the curved portion of the flexible display sheet so that no excessive force is applied to the curved portion. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a multi-axis hinge device that is designed to allow for a wide housing that accommodates the curved portion of a curved flexible display sheet, as well as an electronic device using this multi-axis hinge device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention as described in claim 1 is a multi-axis hinge device for opening and closing a first housing and a second housing in an electronic device having a flexible display sheet attached across both surfaces of the first housing and the second housing, wherein a pair of hinge shafts are connected to a base frame reaching each of the two opposing ends of the first housing and the second housing via a rotation control mechanism at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction so as to be openable and closable, and a synchronous rotation mechanism and a suction mechanism are applied to each, and a center plate is provided between the predetermined interval so as to be vertically movable via a vertical movement mechanism, and this center plate is moved upward via the vertical movement mechanism in accordance with the opening and closing operation of the first housing and the second housing, so as to the fully open state it is flush with the respective surfaces of the first housing and the second housing to maintain the flexible display sheet in a horizontal state, and when fully closed it is lowered within the predetermined interval so as to the opening and closing operation of the first housing and the second housing, the housing portion that accommodates the curved portion formed in the flexible display sheet is widened.

[0006] Next, the present invention as described in claim 2 is a multi-axis hinge device for opening and closing the first housing and the second housing in an electronic device having a flexible display sheet attached across both surfaces of the first housing and the second housing, wherein the first housing and the second housing are connected to a base frame reaching each of their respective opposite ends via a rotation control mechanism to a pair of hinge shafts at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction so as to be openable and closable, and a synchronous rotation mechanism and a suction mechanism are applied to each, and a center plate is provided between the predetermined interval so as to be vertically movable via a vertical movement mechanism, and a first side plate and a second side plate are provided on the front and rear sides of the center plate, respectively, having a length that reaches both ends of the center plate, and the first side plate and the second side plate are swung via a side plate swing mechanism in conjunction with the closing operation of the first housing and the second housing so as to be further widened the housing portion that accommodates the curved portion formed in the flexible display sheet.

[0007] Next, the present invention as described in claim 3 is a multi-axis hinge device for opening and closing the first housing and the second housing in an electronic device having a flexible display sheet attached across both surfaces of the first housing and the second housing, wherein the first housing and the second housing are connected to a base frame reaching each of their opposing ends via a rotation control mechanism to a pair of hinge shafts at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction so as to be openable and closable, and a synchronous rotation mechanism and a suction mechanism are applied to each, and a center plate is provided between the predetermined interval so as to be vertically movable via a vertical movement mechanism, and this center plate is moved upward in the fully open state in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the first housing and the second housing via the vertical movement mechanism The flexible display sheet is kept in a horizontal position by making it flush with the surfaces of the first and second housings, and in the fully closed state, it is lowered within the predetermined interval to accommodate the curved portion formed in the flexible display sheet. Furthermore, a first side plate and a second side plate are provided on the front and rear sides of the center plate, respectively, having a length that reaches both ends of the center plate, and the first side plate and the second side plate are swung via a side plate swinging mechanism in conjunction with the closing operation of the first and second housings, thereby further widening the accommodating portion that accommodates the curved portion formed in the flexible display sheet.

[0008] Next, the present invention as described in claim 4 comprises the rotation control mechanism, a pair Hinges To The device is characterized by comprising a pair of gear levers rotatably connected to each other, a mounting member that pivotally supports the free ends of each gear lever in its guide slots, and an arc arm attached to the mounting member and rotatably engaged with the base frame.

[0009] Next, the present invention as described in claim 5 is characterized in that the vertical movement mechanism comprises a biasing member that biases the center plate in a direction that brings it relatively closer to the base frame, and a position adjustment member that moves the center plate upward in conjunction with the opening operation of the first housing and the second housing.

[0010] Next, the present invention as described in claim 6 comprises a side plate swing mechanism that slidably engages with support arms attached to both ends of each side plate and an arc axis provided on each support arm. Each The arc groove provided in the mounting member engages with the pivot pins that protrude from the base frame and are provided on each of the support arms. guide It is characterized by having grooves.

[0011] Next, the present invention as described in claim 7 is characterized in that the side plate swing mechanism further has a center plate engaging piece that engages with the center plate for each of the side plates.

[0012] Next, the present invention as described in claim 8 is characterized in that the biasing member in the vertical movement mechanism is a torsion spring with one end locked to the base frame side and the other end locked to the center plate side, and the position adjustment member is a push-up part that changes the position of the center plate in conjunction with the movement of the side plate.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention as described in claim 9 can provide various electronic devices using the multi-axis hinge having the above-described configuration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] With the configuration described in claim 1, sufficient space can be secured to accommodate the curved portion of the flexible display sheet when the first and second housings are closed.

[0015] With the configuration described in claim 2, sufficient space can be secured to accommodate the curved portion of the flexible display sheet when the first and second housings are closed.

[0016] With the configuration described in claim 3, even more sufficient space can be secured to accommodate the curved portion of the flexible display sheet when the first and second housings are closed.

[0017] When configured as in claim 4, with the closing operation of the first housing and the second housing, each side plate can be swung to widen the accommodating portion of the curved portion.

[0018] When configured as in claim 5, the up-and-down movement mechanism can be made small-sized and simple in configuration with fewer components.

[0019] When configured as in claim 6, when opening and closing the first housing and the second housing, each side plate can be independently swung to widen the space for accommodating the front-back direction of the curved portion of the flexible display sheet.

[0020] When configured as in claim 7, since the center plate can be positioned on the same plane as each side plate, when the first housing and the second housing are opened, the surface of the flexible display sheet can be made into a horizontal plane without unevenness.

[0021] When configured as in claim 8, the configuration of the up-and-down movement mechanism of the center plate can be made even simpler.

[0022] When configured as in claim 9, various electronic devices using a multi-axis hinge having the above-described features can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] An electronic device having a flexible display sheet using the multi-axis hinge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. (a) is a perspective view of the closed state where the first housing and the second housing are closed at 0 degrees, and (b) is a side view. [Figure 2] An open state where the first housing and the second housing of an electronic device having a flexible display sheet using the multi-axis hinge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention are opened at 180 degrees is shown. (a) is a perspective view of the state where the flexible display sheet is removed, and (b) is a perspective view of the state where the flexible display sheet is attached. [Figure 3]The opening state of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above, (b) being a perspective view from below, and (c) being a side view. [Figure 4] The closed state of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above, (b) being a perspective view from below, and (c) being a side view. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the closed state of a multi-axis hinge device including a flexible display sheet in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a front view of the closed state of a multi-axis hinge device including a flexible display sheet in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the EE line. [Figure 8] This is an exploded perspective view of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment, with all components except the synchronous rotation mechanism disassembled. [Figure 9] The center plate in the multi-axis hinge device of the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 10] The movable frame of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 11] The fixed frame of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 12] The base frame of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 13] The first mounting member of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 14] The second mounting member of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 15]The third mounting member of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 16] The arc arm of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment with the center plate and side plates removed, and an exploded perspective view of the synchronous rotation mechanism. [Figure 18] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the FF line in Figure 17 with the synchronous rotation mechanism assembled, showing the multi-axis hinge device in the open state. (b) is a diagram showing the same device in the closed state from the same position. [Figure 19] The first support arm of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 20] The second support arm of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 21] (a) is a cross-sectional view along the GG line in Figure 17 with the synchronous rotation mechanism assembled, showing the multi-axis hinge device in the open state. (b) is a view from the same position showing the same device in the closed state. [Figure 22] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the HH line in Figure 17 with the synchronous rotation mechanism assembled, showing the multi-axis hinge device in the open state. (b) is a diagram showing the same device in the closed state from the same position. [Figure 23] This diagram illustrates the trajectory of the guide groove. [Figure 24] The side plate of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 25] The first gear lever of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 26]The second gear lever of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 27] The fixed cam of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment is shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 28] The spacers of the multi-axis hinge device in the first embodiment are shown, with (a) being a perspective view from above and (b) being a perspective view from below. [Figure 29] (a) is a cross-sectional view of line II in Figure 17 with the synchronous rotation mechanism assembled, showing the multi-axis hinge device in the open position. (b) is a view of the same device in the closed position from the same location. [Figure 30] This is a perspective view of a multi-axis hinge device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the center plate, side plates, and support arms disassembled. [Figure 31] This is a partial perspective view of the support arm and center plate in the second embodiment, where (a) is an exploded perspective view and (b) is an assembled perspective view showing the support arm and center plate attached to the base frame together with the side plate after assembly. [Figure 32] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the JJ line after the components of Figure 30 have been assembled, showing the multi-axis hinge device in the open state. (b) is a view of the same device in the closed state from the same position. [Figure 33] (a) is an exploded perspective view of the center plate and side plate in the second embodiment, and (b) is a plan view of the back surface of the center plate in the second embodiment. [Figure 34] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the KK line after the components of Figure 30 have been assembled, showing the multi-axis hinge device in the open state. (b) is a view of the same device in the closed state from the same position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Embodiments of the multi-axis hinge device according to the present invention, and electronic devices using this multi-axis hinge device, will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. First Embodiment

[0025] Figures 1 and 2 schematically show a mobile phone A as an example of an electronic device using a multi-axis hinge device according to the present invention. Figure 1(a) is a perspective view of the closed state with the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 closed to 0 degrees. The exterior of mobile phone A consists of the first housing 1, the second housing 2 and the base cover 3. The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are connected so as to be openable and closable by a multi-axis hinge device B (not visible in Figure 1(a)) provided on the base cover 3. Indication symbols 1a, 1b, and 1c indicate the mounting members described later, and the first housing 1 This is a mounting hole provided for screwing in the part. The second housing 2 has a similar configuration. The slit 1d is a relief hole to avoid the protruding part of the multi-axis hinge device B. As shown in the side view of Figure 1(b), the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 have the base cover side indicated by arrow 3a as the base of rotation, and the free end side indicated by arrow 3b as the tip of opening and closing. Also, arrow 3c in Figure 1(a) indicates the front-rear direction, with one side defined as front and the other as rear. The multi-axis hinge device B has a base frame 7, which will be described in detail later, and the base frame 7 reaches each of the opposing ends of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. A pair of hinge shafts provided on the base frame 7, which will be described later, connect the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 to the base frame 7 in the front-rear direction (arrow 3c) via mounting members, and activate the synchronous rotation mechanism and rotation control mechanism, which will be described later.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first and second housings in the opened state, with the first housing and the second housing opened 180 degrees. Figure 2(a) shows the state without the flexible display sheet 4, and Figure 2(b) shows the state with the flexible display 4 installed. In Figure 2(a), the first side plate 51, the second side plate 52, and the center plate 6, which are components of the multi-axis hinge device B, are exposed. As shown in Figure 2, the adjacent sides of the first side plate 51 and the second side plate 52 and the center plate 6 have a length that reaches both ends of the center plate 6. As shown in Figures 1(b) and 2(a), the first and second housings rotate in the directions of arrows 1f and 2f about the rotation centers 1e and 2e. This rotational movement transitions from the opened state in Figure 2(a) to the closed state in Figure 1(a). In this way, the mobile phone A is folded in half with the flexible display sheet 4 facing inward by the multi-axis hinge device B.

[0027] The multi-axis hinge device B consists of a frame mechanism, a rotation control mechanism, a synchronous rotation mechanism, a suction mechanism, a vertical movement mechanism, etc. First, the frame mechanism will be described. Figure 3(a) is an overall perspective view of the multi-axis hinge device in the open state, viewed from the top; Figure 3(b) is an overall perspective view of the multi-axis hinge device in the open state, viewed from the bottom; and Figure 3(c) is a side view of the multi-axis hinge device in the open state. Similarly, perspective views of the multi-axis hinge device in the closed state are shown in Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c). On the surface of the multi-axis hinge device B 、 Pair 1 Side plate 51 and the second side plate Between 52, a center plate 6 is positioned between the connection between the first housing 1 and the base frame 7 and the connection between the second housing 2 and the base frame 7, as shown in Figure 2, and is provided to support the area around the bent portion of the flexible display sheet 4.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the first and second housings 1 and 2 are screwed into the first, second and third mounting members 53, 54, and 55 by mounting screw holes 53a, 54a, 54b, 55a, and 55b provided in the first, second, and third mounting members 53, 54, and 55, and mounting holes 1a, 1b, and 1c shown in Figure 1(a). In addition, a side plate 31 is provided on the side of the base cover 3, which is attached to the claw 7g in Figure 12, to prevent foreign matter from entering from the outside.

[0029] Figures 5, 6, and 7 show multi-axis hinges. Device Figures 5, 6, and 7 show the closed state with the flexible display sheet 4 attached to B, with Figure 5 being a perspective view, Figure 6 a front view, and Figure 7 a cross-sectional view along the EE line in Figure 6. 1 Side plate 51 and the second side plate The housing section D, surrounded by 52 and the center plate 6, houses the flexible display sheet 4, which is bent into a curved section 41. Due to the rotation control mechanism and vertical movement mechanism described later, the housing section D can be made sufficiently large, so the radius of curvature of the curved section 41 is large, and the flexible display sheet 4 will not bend or malfunction as a result.

[0030] Figure 8 shows a multi-axis hinge. Device This is an exploded perspective view of B, where the synchronous rotation mechanism 9, which will be described later, is shown in a unit state without being disassembled. The details of the frame mechanism will be explained using the exploded perspective view of Figure 8 and the parts diagrams from Figures 9 to 20.

[0031] [Center Plate 6] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the center plate 6, with Figure 9(a) being a perspective view from above and Figure 9(b) being a perspective view from below. Mounting holes 6a and positioning holes 6b are provided at both ends 6g of the short side of the center plate 6, and a stopper 6d is provided on the bottom surface. 6e is a clearance for the gear lever, which will be described later, and 6f is a center plate engaging piece receiver that receives the center plate engaging pieces 51a and 52a provided on the first and second side plates 51 and 52.

[0032] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the movable frame 61, with Figure 10(a) being a perspective view from above and Figure 10(b) being a perspective view from below. The movable frame 61 is provided with mounting screw holes 61a and a positioning shaft 61b, which correspond to the mounting holes 6a and positioning holes 6b of the center plate 6, respectively, and are screwed in by mounting screws 6c as shown in Figure 8.

[0033] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the fixed frame 62, where Figure 11(a) is a perspective view from above and Figure 11(b) is a perspective view from below. Fixed frame 62 Mounting holes 62a and positioning shafts 62b are provided in the base frame 7. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the base frame 7, where Figure 12(a) is a perspective view from above and Figure 12(b) is a perspective view from below. The mounting screw holes 7a and positioning holes 7b provided in the base frame 7 in Figure 12 correspond to the mounting holes 62a and positioning shafts 62b in the fixing frame 62 and are screwed in with mounting screws 62e shown in Figure 8. The base frame 7 is screwed in with the base frame mounting screw holes 7j and the mounting holes 3d provided in the base cover 3 shown in Figure 8 and fixed to the base cover.

[0034] In Figure 8, the torsion spring 111, which is the first elastic member, has its coil portion 111a wrapped around a projection 62c on the fixed frame 62, the tip of the hook portion 111b is inserted into the spring receiving hole 61c on the movable frame 61, and the hook portion 111c is hooked onto the spring receiving 62d on the fixed frame 62. The torsion spring 111 is spread out in the direction of unwinding the spring and is hung on the movable frame 61 and the fixed frame 62. Therefore, due to the charging force in the direction in which the spring is wound, the center plate 6 receives a force in the direction that moves it closer to the base frame 7. When the first and second housings 1 and 2 are in the closed state, this force causes the center plate 6 to descend into the groove portion 7p due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 111, which is the first elastic member. Also, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are in the open state, as will be described later. Pressing part (position adjustment member) 91d and 92d allow the center plate 6 to be flush with the surfaces of the first and second housings 1 and 2, respectively, making it flexible. display seat 4Maintain a horizontal position.

[0035] [Explanation of the operation of center plate 6] As mentioned above, the center plate 6 is subjected to a force (lift-down) in the direction closer to the base frame 7 by the torsion spring 111. However, as shown in Figure 29(a) below, when the first and second housings 1 and 2 are in the open position, the position adjustment members, the push-up parts 91d and 92d, support the stopper 6d of the center plate 6, so the center plate 6 does not lift down towards the base frame 7 and is almost flush with the first and second side plates 51 and 52, which will be described later. As shown in Figure 29(b), when the push-up parts 91d and 92d are rotated by the synchronous rotation mechanism described later and disengage from the stopper 6d of the center plate 6, the center plate 6 is lifted down by the force of the torsion spring 111 and descends into the groove 7p. When the center plate 6 is lifted down into the base frame 7 in this way, a large housing area D can be secured as shown in Figure 7, allowing the curved portion 41 of the flexible display sheet 4 to be adequately accommodated. This vertical movement of the center plate 6 relative to the base frame 7 is the most distinctive feature of the present invention.

[0036] [Rotation control mechanism 8 in mounting member] Next, we will describe the rotation mechanism that rotates the mounting member onto the base frame 7. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the first mounting member 53, with Figure 13(a) being a perspective view from above and Figure 13(b) being a perspective view from below. The first mounting member 53 is provided with mounting screw holes 53a, mounting holes 53b, and a positioning shaft 53c. Note that the instruction symbols enclosed in parentheses after the instruction symbols shown in each explanatory diagram are the unit numbers of each mechanism, for example. ba yen This indicates that the arc arm 81 is a component of the rotation control mechanism 8.

[0037] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the second mounting member 54, where Figure 14(a) is a perspective view from above and Figure 14(b) is a perspective view from below. The second mounting member 54 is provided with mounting screw holes 54a, 54d, mounting screw hole 54b, and positioning hole 54c. The mounting screw holes 54b and positioning hole 54c correspond to the mounting hole 53b and positioning shaft 53c, and the second mounting member 54 and the first mounting member 53 are screwed together and fixed using the mounting screw 53d shown in Figure 8. The second mounting member 54 is provided with an arc groove 54h into which the arc axis of the second support arm, which will be described later, is combined and slides. It is also provided with an operating arm 54i having an elongated hole 54e for connecting to a gear lever, which will be described later.

[0038] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the third mounting member 55, with Figure 15(a) being a perspective view from above and Figure 15(b) being a perspective view from below. The third mounting member 55 is provided with mounting screw holes 55a, 55d, mounting screw hole 55b, and positioning hole 55c. The mounting screw holes 55b and positioning hole 55c correspond to the mounting hole 53b and positioning shaft 53c, and the third mounting member 55 and the first mounting member 53 are screwed together and fixed using the mounting screw 53d shown in Figure 8. The third mounting member 55 is connected to the first support arm, which will be described later. 56 An arc groove 55h is provided, into which the arc axes are combined and slide. Furthermore, an operating arm 55i is provided, which has an elongated hole 55e for connecting to a gear lever, which will be described later.

[0039] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the arc arm 81 of the rotation control mechanism 8, with Figure 16(a) being a perspective view from above and Figure 16(b) being a perspective view from below. The arc arm 81 is provided with an arc groove 81a, mounting screw holes 81b, and a positioning shaft 81c. The positioning shaft 81c is fitted into the positioning holes 54g and 55g, and the mounting holes 54f and 55f and the mounting screw hole 81b are screwed together with the mounting screw 81g shown in Figure 8, thereby fixing the arc arm 81 to the second and third mounting members 54 and 55. The arc arm 81 is also provided with a push-up part 81h, which serves as a position adjustment member for adjusting the position of the center plate 6. Details of the push-up part 81h will be described later.

[0040] In Figure 12, a pair of arc-shaped shafts 7e corresponding to the arc-shaped grooves 81a are provided at both ends of the base frame 7 in the front-rear direction (arrow 7h). Since the arc-shaped grooves 81a and the arc-shaped shafts 7e are slidable relative to each other, the arc-shaped arm 81 can rotate relative to the base frame 7 along the trajectory direction of the arc-shaped grooves 81a. In Figure 12, arrow 7i indicates the left-right direction of the base frame 7.

[0041] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the multi-axis hinge device with the center plate 6 and the first and second side plates 51 and 52 removed, as well as an exploded perspective view of the synchronous rotation mechanism. The FF line in Figure 17 is a line segment that cuts through the arc arm 81, and a cross-sectional view cut along the FF line is shown in Figure 18. In Figure 18, Figure 18(a) shows the first and second side plates 51 and 52 in the open state, and the arc groove 81a slides along the arc axis 7e to transition to the closed state shown in Figure 18(b).

[0042] In this manner, the rotation of the first and second side plates 51 and 52 is controlled by an arc-shaped groove and shaft that serve as a guide, thereby eliminating the need for a rotation center axis. This mechanism is defined as the rotation control mechanism 8, and in this embodiment, the rotation control mechanism is composed of the arc groove 81a of the arc arm 81 and the arc axis 7e shown in Figure 12. In Figures 18(a) and (b), the dashed line 81f is the sliding trajectory of the arc groove 81a and the arc axis 7e in the arc arm 81d connected to the first side plate 51, and the rotation center 1e, which is the first rotation axis, is located within the housing section D surrounded by the first and second side plates 51 and 52 and the center plate 6. If a shaft for rotation support were to be provided within the housing section D, the volume for housing the flexible display sheet 4 would be limited. Therefore, in this invention, the rotation center 1e is made a virtual rotation center by using the arc arm 81d, thus avoiding the need to provide a shaft for rotation support. 2e is the virtual rotation center of the arc arm 81e connected to the second side plate 52, and the size of the housing D can be changed by increasing the distance C between the rotation centers 1e and 2e.

[0043] [Explanation of the operation of the rotation control mechanism 8] When a user applies force to move at least one of the first and second housings 1 and 2 from a closed state to an open state, the arc grooves 81a of the arc arms 81 provided on each of the second and third mounting members 54 and 55 attached to the first and second housings 1 and 2 move in an arc along the arc axis 7e provided on the base frame 7. This allows the second and third mounting members 54 and 55 to rotate relative to the base frame 7. Arc A As mentioned earlier, the 81 does more than just eliminate the need for a rotational support shaft. It also has another role: the long fitting length of the arc groove 81a and arc shaft 7e eliminates rotational play, and the grease filled between them generates appropriate viscosity. As a result, the arc groove 81a and arc shaft 7e improve the quality of the opening and closing operation.

[0044] [Side plates 51, 52 and side plate swing mechanism 12] The aforementioned second and third mounting members 54 and 55 rotate 90 degrees from the open state to the closed state. However, as shown in Figure 7, the first and second side plates 51 and 52 rotate more than 90 degrees (110 degrees in Figure 7) from the open state. By rotating the first and second side plates 51 and 52 more than 90 degrees in this way, the housing section D is enlarged. This mechanism will be explained below.

[0045] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the first support arm 56, with Figure 19(a) being a perspective view from above and Figure 19(b) being a perspective view from below. The instruction symbols enclosed in parentheses after the instruction symbols in each explanatory diagram are the unit numbers of each mechanism; for example, first support arm 56(12) indicates that the first support arm 56 is a component of the side plate swing mechanism 12. The first support arm 56 is provided with an arc axis 56d, which slides in combination with the arc groove 55h of the third mounting member 55 described above. A guide groove 56a is also provided, which is combined with the first pivot pin 7c described later. Similarly, Figure 20 is a perspective view of the second support arm 57, with Figure 20(a) being a perspective view from above and Figure 20(b) being a perspective view from below. The second support arm 57 is provided with an arc-shaped shaft 57d, which slides relative to the arc-shaped groove 54h of the second mounting member 54 described above. A guide groove 57a is also provided, which is combined with the second pivot pin 7d, which will be described later.

[0046] In Figure 17, the GG line is a cross-sectional line passing through the arc axes 56d and 57d. With the synchronous rotation mechanism 9 assembled Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the GG line. As mentioned above, the arc axes 56d and 57d that constitute the side plate swing mechanism provided on the first and second support arms 56 and 57 fit into and slide in the arc grooves 54h and 55h that constitute the side plate swing mechanism 12 provided on the second and third mounting members 54 and 55. The sliding trajectories 56g and 57g are circular, and the centers of rotation 56h and 57h are the ends 51e and 52e of the first and second side plates 51 and 52. By providing shafts for rotational support at the ends 51e and 52e of the first and second side plates 51 and 52, the arc grooves 54h and 55h and the arc axes 56d and 57d can be omitted. However, if shafts for rotational support and corresponding shaft supports are provided on the first and second support arms 56, 57 and the second and third mounting members 54, 55, the shaft supports will interfere with each other when the second and third mounting members 54, 55 are closed. To avoid this, in this embodiment, arc grooves 54h, 55h and arc axes 56d, 57d are provided as rotational support parts, and the rotation centers 56h, 57h are set as virtual rotation centers.

[0047] The HH line in Figure 17 is , These are lines that cut through grooves 56a and 57a. Assemble the synchronous rotation mechanism 9 Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the HH line. The base frame 7 is provided with first and second pivot pins 7c and 7d, which are combined with guide grooves 56a and 57a of the first and second support arms 56 and 57, respectively. Here, the second and third mounting members 54 and 55 rotate θ (90 degrees) around the first rotation axes, which are the rotation centers 1e and 2e, from the open state shown in Figure 22(a) to the closed state shown in Figure 22(b). Consequently, the positions of the rotation centers 56h and 57h that support the rotation of the first and second support arms 56 and 57 also rotate around the rotation centers 1e and 2e. Therefore, due to the relationship between the first and second pivot pins 7c and 7d fixed to the base frame 7 and the guide trajectories of the guide grooves 56a and 57a, the first and second support arms 56 and 57 rotate further φ (20 degrees) around the rotation centers 56h and 57h, respectively.

[0048] [Explanation of the trajectory and operation of the side plate swing mechanism 12] The guide trajectories of the guide grooves 56a and 57a provided on the first and second support arms 56 and 57 will be explained using Figure 23. Note that the second support arm 57 will be used as an example, and the first support arm 56 is similar and will be omitted. In Figure 23, a first position 7k is set by rotating the center of the second pivot pin 7d by a first angle θ (90 degrees) around the rotation center 1e, which is the first axis of rotation. The hinge shaft trajectory at this time is denoted as 57i. Similarly, a second position 57j is set by rotating the rotation center 57h by a first angle θ (90 degrees) around the rotation center 1e. Next, a third position 7m is set by rotating the first position 7k by a second angle φ (20 degrees) around the second position 57j. Here, the trajectory 57m obtained by rotating the hinge shaft trajectory 57i in the direction of arrow 57k so that it passes through the third position 7m with the second pivot pin 7d as the center is the trajectory of the guide groove 57a. In other words, it is an arc that passes through the center of the second pivot pin 7d and the third position 7m, with a radius of r1, which is the length from the rotation center 1e to the center of the second pivot pin 7d. In this trajectory, the first and second support arms 56 and 57 change their angle proportionally from 0 to 110 degrees, in proportion to the rotation angle of the second and third mounting members 54 and 55 from opening to closing, from 0 to 90 degrees.

[0049] Furthermore, if the trajectory of the guide grooves 56a and 57a has a radius greater than r1, cam jamming will not occur. For this reason, the trajectory of the guide grooves 56a and 57a may be a straight line passing through the center of the second pivot pin 7d and the center of the third position 7m. In this embodiment, the radius of the arc trajectory of the guide grooves is set to be greater than r1, taking into consideration the smooth angle change of the first and second support arms 56 and 57 during the rotation of the second and third mounting members 54 and 55, and the size of the guide grooves 56a and 57a. In this way, the arc axes 56d and 57d of the first and second support arms 56 and 57, the arc grooves 54h and 55h of the second and third mounting members 54 and 55, and the first and second pivot pins 7c and 7d of the base frame 7 constitute the side plate swing mechanism 12. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the second and third mounting members 54 and 55 are moved from an open state to a closed state, the angle between the first and second side plates 51 and 52 and the second and third mounting members 54 and 55 is gradually changed by the side plate swing mechanism 12.

[0050] Figure 24 is a perspective view of the first side plate 51, with Figure 24(a) being a perspective view from above and Figure 24(b) being a perspective view from below. The second side plate 52 has a similar configuration, so its description is omitted. Mounting holes 51c and positioning holes 51b are provided at both ends of the first side plate 51, and a center plate engaging piece 51a and a hook 51d are provided on the lower surface.

[0051] The procedure for installing the first side plate 51 will now be described. The arc grooves 54h and 55h of the second and third mounting members 54 and 55, which are attached to the base plate 7, are fitted onto the arc axes 57d and 56d of the second and first support arms 57 and 56, respectively. Next, the hook 51d of the first side plate 51 is hooked onto the hook receiver 53e of the first mounting member 53. Finally, the mounting hole 51c and positioning hole 51b of the first side plate 51 are aligned with the mounting screw holes 56c and 57c and positioning axes 56b and 57b of the first support arm 56 and second support arm 57, and the plates are screwed in using the screws 56f and 57f shown in Figure 8. 1 Because the side plate 51 is a thin plate supported only at both ends by the first support arm 56 and the second support arm 57, a hook 51d is attached to the hook receiver 53e to prevent the central part from lifting.

[0052] As described above, the frame mechanism is composed of the base frame 7, center plate 6, movable frame 61, fixed frame 62, first, second, and third mounting members 53, 54, and 55, first support arm 56, second support arm 57, first side plate 51, second side plate 52, and arc arm 81. The relative position of the base frame 7 and the center plate 6 is changed according to the opening and closing operation of the first, second, and third mounting members 53, 54, and 55, and the angle between the side plate and the mounting member is changed by the side plate swing mechanism 12.

[0053] [Synchronous rotation mechanism 9, 9 ’ ] Next, the configuration of the synchronous rotation mechanisms 9 and 9' will be explained. Note that the instruction symbols enclosed in parentheses after the instruction symbols shown in each explanatory diagram are the unit numbers of each mechanism. For example, gear shaft 95(9) indicates that gear shaft 95 is a component of the synchronous rotation mechanism 9.

[0054] As shown in the exploded perspective view of the synchronous rotation mechanism 9 in Figure 17, the transmission members, the first synchronous gear 93 and the second synchronous gear 94, rotate around the axis of the gear shaft 95. Since the first and second synchronous gears 93 and 94 mesh with each other, their directions of rotation are opposite. The transmission members, the first and second gear levers 91 and 92, rotate around the axis of the hinge shaft 101. As shown in Figures 25 and 26, the axis of the hinge shaft 101 (shown by the dashed lines 91f and 92f) passes through the hinge shaft holes 91e and 92e of the first and second gear levers 91 and 92, and lever synchronous gears 91a and 92a are provided coaxially with the hinge shaft holes 91e and 92e. The lever synchronous gear 91a is meshed with the first synchronous gear 93, and the lever synchronous gear 92a is meshed with the second synchronous gear 94. Therefore, when the first gear lever 91 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 91g in Figure 17, the second gear lever 92 rotates in the direction of arrow 92g.

[0055] The free ends 91h and 92h of the first and second gear levers 91 and 92 are shown in Figures 14 and 15, respectively. 3rd place The second mounting member 54 is sandwiched between the pair of operating arms 54i, 54i and 55i, 55i of the attachment members 54 and 55. As shown in Figure 8, the first pivot pin 96 passes through the elongated hole 54e and the first hinge shaft hole 91c provided in the operating arm 54i, and similarly the second pivot pin 97 passes through the elongated hole 55e and the second hinge shaft hole 92c. As described above, the arc arm 81 causes the second mounting member 54 to rotate around the rotation center 1e, and the resulting movement of the elongated hole 54e causes the first gear lever 91 to rotate around the hinge shaft center 91f. This rotation is transmitted to the second gear lever 92 via the first and second synchronous gears 93 and 94, and the second gear lever 92 rotates the third mounting member 55 via the elongated hole 55e.

[0056] [Explanation of the operation of synchronous rotation mechanisms 9 and 9'] Now, when the user applies force to move the first enclosure 1 from the closed state to the open state, the second and third on the first side plate 51 side 3rd place The attached members 54 and 55 move. The first pivot pin 96 picks up on this movement and rotates the first and second gear levers 91 and 92 on the side plate 51. This rotation then drives the lever synchronous gears 91a and 92a to the first and second synchronous gears 93 and 94 and the first and second gear levers on the second side plate 52. 91、 The signal is transmitted to the lever synchronization gears 91a and 92a on 92. Therefore, the second and third mounting members 54 and 55 on the second side plate 52 are operated to the open position by the second pivot pins 97 provided on the first and second gear levers 91 and 92 on the second side plate 52.

[0057] Thus, the mechanism that synchronizes rotation using the first and second gear levers 91 and 92 and the first and second synchronous gears 93 and 94 is defined as a synchronous rotation mechanism. When the first housing 1 is rotated in the opening direction by the synchronous rotation mechanisms 9 and 9', the second housing 2 rotates in the opening direction by the same angle in synchronization with it. By providing such a synchronous rotation mechanism, the user can obtain a high-quality rotation feel when opening the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.

[0058] [Suction mechanism 10] Next, the suction mechanism 10 will be described. Note that the instruction symbols enclosed in parentheses after the instruction symbols shown in each explanatory diagram are the unit numbers of each mechanism. For example, hinge shaft 101(10) indicates that the hinge shaft 101 is a component of the suction mechanism 10. The suction mechanism is defined as a mechanism that, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are opened and closed, draws them to the most closed angle when the angle is close to the closed state, and conversely, draws them to the most open angle when the angle is close to the open state. In Figures 25 and 26, the first and second gear levers 91 and 92 are provided with rotating cams 91b and 92b. Each of the rotating cams 91b and 92b faces the fixed cam surfaces 103a and 103b of the fixed cam 103 shown in Figures 17 and 27, respectively. The fixed cam 103 is provided with a gear shaft hole 103c and a hinge shaft hole 103d, through which the gear shaft 95 and hinge shaft 101 pass.

[0059] In Figure 28, the hinge shaft 101 passes through the hinge shaft hole 102a provided in the spacer 102, and the gear shaft 95 is fitted into the gear shaft hole 102b. The gear shaft 95 passes through the first and second synchronous gears 93 and 94, the gear shaft hole 103c of the fixed cam 103, and the sub-compression coil spring 104. Furthermore, both ends of the gear shaft 95 are fitted into the gear shaft holes 102b of the spacer 102, fixing the thrust direction (axial direction) of the gear shaft 95 as well. The hinge shaft 101 passes through the first and second gear levers 91 and 92, the hinge shaft hole 103c of the fixed cam 103, the main compression coil spring 105 which is the second elastic member, and the hinge shaft hole 102a of the spacer 102. As shown in Figure 17, the pair of spacers 102 are sandwiched between the lugs 101a and the stepped portion 101b of the hinge shaft 101, respectively, using lock rings 106.

[0060] The fixed cam 103 is slidable on the hinge shaft 101 and the gear shaft 95, and is biased by the main compression coil spring 105 and the sub-compression coil spring 104 in the biasing direction of arrow 107, as shown in Figure 17. For this reason, the rotating cams 91b and 92b face and press against the fixed cam surfaces 103a and 103b of the fixed cam 103. When the first and second gear levers 91 and 92 are rotated, the cam peaks 91b' and 92b' of the rotating cams 91b and 92b attempt to overcome the cam peaks 103a' and 103b' of the fixed cam surfaces 103a and 103b, biasing the fixed cam 103 in the opposite direction of arrow 107. When this biasing force becomes greater than the biasing force of the main compression coil spring 105 and the sub-compression coil spring 104, the first and second gear levers 91 and 92 begin to rotate.

[0061] As shown in Figures 25, 26, and 27, the cam lobes 91b', 92b', 103a', and 103b' are provided with inclined surfaces. Therefore, when the inclined surfaces of the rotating cams 91b and 92b and the fixed cam surfaces 103a and 103b are in opposing rotational phases, the rotation of the first and second gear levers 91 and 92 is drawn in so that the cam lobes and valleys of each other interlock due to the cam inclinations.

[0062] [Explanation of the operation of the suction mechanism 10] The suction mechanism 10 consists of rotating cams 91b and 92b provided on the first and second gear levers 91 and 92, a fixed cam 103, and a second elastic member consisting of a sub-compression coil spring 104 and a main compression coil spring 105. The suction mechanism 10 allows the pair of housings 1 and 2 to be drawn into the most closed position when the housings are brought to an angle close to the closed position, and conversely, when brought to an angle close to the open position, the housings are drawn into the most open position, the deployed position. This improves the quality of the opening and closing operation and allows the open and closed positions to be maintained.

[0063] The suction mechanism 10 and the synchronous rotation mechanisms 9 and 9' are an integrated unit as shown in Figure 17, and are fixed to the base frame 7 by screwing mounting screws 108 into mounting holes 102c provided in the spacer 102 and mounting screw holes 7f shown in Figure 12.

[0064] [Vertical movement mechanism 11] Next, the vertical movement mechanism 11 will be described. Note that the instruction symbols enclosed in parentheses after the instruction symbols shown in each explanatory diagram are the unit numbers of each mechanism. For example, torsion spring 111(11) indicates that the torsion spring 111 is a component of the vertical movement mechanism 11. In the operation of the center plate 6 as described in Figures 8 to 12, when the first and second housings 1 and 2 are in the closed state, the center plate 6 descends into the groove 7p due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 111, which is the first elastic member. When the first and second housings 1 and 2 are in the open state, the center plate 6 lifts up from the groove 7p and becomes approximately flush with the first and second side plates 51 and 52. This mechanism, which changes the positional relationship between the center plate 6 and the base frame 7 according to the open and closed state of the first and second housings 1 and 2, is defined as the vertical movement mechanism.

[0065] In the first embodiment of the present invention, two mechanisms are provided as the vertical movement mechanism 11. The first is a vertical movement mechanism 11 using the rotation control mechanism 8 described above, and the second is a vertical movement mechanism using synchronous rotation mechanisms 9 and 9'. motionThis is mechanism 11. First, the vertical movement mechanism using rotation control mechanism 8 will be described.

[0066] [Vertical movement mechanism 11 using rotation control mechanism 8] As explained using Figure 16, a pressing portion 81h is provided at the tip of the arc arm 81. As shown in Figure 18(a), when the first and second side plates 51 and 52 are open, the pressing portion 81h is in contact with the back surface of the center plate 6. That is, the pressing portion 81h of the arc arm 81 supports the center plate 6 on approximately the same plane as the first and second side plates 51 and 52, against the biasing force of the torsion spring 111. In the closed state of the first and second side plates 51 and 52 shown in Figure 18(b), the pressing portion 81h retracts from the back surface of the center plate 6. As a result, the center plate 6 descends into the groove 7p due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 111, which is the first elastic member. That is, the center plate 6 retracts towards the base frame 7, and sufficient space is secured for the housing portion D that houses the flexible display sheet 4.

[0067] Next, we will explain the vertical movement mechanism using the synchronous rotation mechanisms 9 and 9'.

[0068] [Vertical movement mechanism 11 using synchronous rotation mechanisms 9 and 9'] In Figure 17, II is With the synchronous rotation mechanism 9' assembled These are line segments that cut through the rotating cams 91b and 92b in the first and second gear levers 91 and 92, and Figure 29 shows the cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along line segment II. In Figure 29, Figure 29(a) shows the first and second mounting members 54 and 55 in the open state, and Figure 29(b) shows the first and second mounting members 54 and 55 in the closed state.

[0069] As explained in the description of the operation of the center plate 6, in Figure 29(a), the push-up parts 91d and 92d, which are position adjustment members provided on the first and second gear levers 91 and 92, move in conjunction with the opening direction of the second and third mounting members 54 and 55, respectively, and lift the stopper 6d of the center plate 6 in the lift-up direction of arrow 112. As shown in Figure 29(b), in conjunction with the closing operation of the second and third mounting members 54 and 55, the center plate 6 separates from the push-up parts 91d and 92d and descends into the groove 7p due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 111, which is the first elastic member. With this vertical movement mechanism, sufficient space can be secured for the housing D that accommodates the flexible display sheet 4 when the first and second housings 1 and 2 are in the closed state. The vertical movement mechanism consists of position adjustment members, which are push-up parts 91d and 92d, provided on the first and second gear levers 91 and 92, a stopper 6d provided on the center plate 6, a movable frame 61, a fixed frame 62, and a torsion spring 111, which is the first elastic member.

[0070] When the first and second housings 1 and 2 are in the open position, the center plate engaging piece 51a, which is a positioning member provided on the first side plate 51 as shown in Figure 24, is connected to the center plate engaging piece receiver 6f of the center plate 6 as shown in Figure 9. The same applies to the second side plate 52. This connection causes the center plate 6 and the first and second side plates 51 and 52 to be on approximately the same plane.

[0071] As described above, the vertical movement mechanism 11 in the present invention is realized using an arc arm 81 and first and second gear levers 91 and 92. However, it is not necessary to provide either one of them, for example, the first and second gear levers 91 and 92, and not to provide the pushing part 81h at the tip of the arc arm 81. Conversely, if the pushing part 81h is provided, 1st, 2nd It is not necessary to provide push-up parts 91d and 92d on the gear levers 91 and 92. Second embodiment

[0072] Figure 30 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention, with the center plate, side plates, and support arms disassembled. The differences from the first embodiment are the shapes of the center plate 6, the first and second support arms 56 and 57, and the first and second side plates 51 and 52. The shapes and configurations of the other components are the same as in the first embodiment, so a description of the arrangement and operation of the components is omitted. In the first embodiment, the vertical movement mechanism 11 was realized using a rotation control mechanism 8 and synchronous rotation mechanisms 9 and 9'. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the vertical movement mechanism 11 is realized using a side plate swing mechanism 12.

[0073] The vertical movement mechanism 11 using the side plate swing mechanism 12 has two different mechanisms: the first is a vertical movement mechanism 11 using the first and second support arms 56 and 57, and the second is a vertical movement mechanism 11 using the first and second side plates 51 and 52. First, the vertical movement mechanism 11 using the first and second support arms 56 and 57 will be described.

[0074] [Vertical movement mechanism 11 using first and second support arms 56 and 57] Figure 31 is a partial perspective view of the first and second support arms 56, 57 and the center plate 6 in the second embodiment, where (a) is an exploded perspective view and (b) is an assembled perspective view after assembly, attached to the base frame 7 together with the first and second side plates 51, 52. As shown in Figure 31(a), the first and second support arms 56, 57 are provided with pressing parts 56n, 57n. This is shown in Figure 19 and Figure 20 These are the first and second support arms 56 and 57, as explained using the diagram, with notches cut out to form pressing surfaces 56e and 57e, which serve as position adjustment members. In addition, a projection 6i is provided at the end 6g of the center plate 6, and a push-up part receiver 6j is provided on the back surface of the projection 6i. The push-up parts 56n and 57n support the push-up part receiver 6j, resulting in the arrangement shown in Figure 31(b).

[0075] In Figure 30, JJ is a line segment that cuts through the push-out sections 56n and 57n of the first and second support arms 56 and 57, and Figure 32 shows a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along the line segment JJ ​​after assembling the parts of Figure 30. In Figure 32, Figure 32(a) is 2nd, 3rd Figure 32(b) shows the open state of mounting members 54 and 55. 2nd, 3rd The mounting members 54 and 55 are in the closed position.

[0076] As described in the operation of the side plate swing mechanism 12 in the first embodiment, the first and second support arms 56 and 57 swing in conjunction with the opening rotation of the second and third mounting members 54 and 55. Then, the push-up parts 56n and 57n, which are position adjustment members provided on the first and second support arms 56 and 57, lift the push-up receiver 6j on the back surface of the center plate 6 in the lift-up direction of arrow 112. As shown in Figure 32(b), in conjunction with the closing operation of the second and third mounting members 54 and 55, the push-up receiver 6j of the center plate 6 separates from the push-up parts 56n and 57n, and the center plate 6 descends into the groove 7p of the base frame 7 (shown in Figure 29(a)) due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 111. As described in the first embodiment, the swing angle of the side plate swing mechanism 12 is the same as in Figure 22(b). 2nd, 3rd Mounting parts 54、55 The oscillation angle is set to be greater than θ. As a result, the push-up receiver 6j moves sufficiently away from the push-up parts 56n and 57n in conjunction with the closing operation of the second and third mounting members 54 and 55, and the first and second support arms 56 and 57 can reliably release the center plate 6. With this vertical movement mechanism 11, sufficient storage space D for accommodating the flexible display sheet 4 can be secured when the first and second housings 1 and 2 are in the closed state. Here, the vertical movement mechanism 11 consists of push-up parts 56n and 57n, which are position adjustment members provided on the first and second support arms 56 and 57, a push-up receiver 6j provided on the center plate 6, a movable frame 61, a fixed frame 62, and a torsion spring 111, which is the first elastic member.

[0077] next , 1st, 2nd The vertical movement mechanism 11 using side plates 51 and 52 will now be described.

[0078] [ 1st, 2nd Vertical movement mechanism 11 using side plates 51, 52] Figure 33(a) shows the first and second side plates 51 and 52 and the center plate in the second embodiment. 6 This is a perspective view, and (b) is a plan view of the back surface of the center plate 6. As shown in Figure 33(a), the first, 2 Sa The side plates 51 and 52 are provided with pressing parts 51g and 52g as position adjustment members at the tip of the center plate engaging piece 51a of the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 24. Also, as shown in Figure 33(b), a pressing part receiver 6k is provided in the center of the center plate 6. A projection 6i is provided at the end 6g, and the pressing part receiver 6 is provided on the back surface of the projection 6i. k , 6m is provided. Push-up upper receiver 6k is the first, 2 Sa Idplate 51, 5 2 and Correspondingly, the push-up receiver 6m corresponds to the push-up portion 81h in the arc arm 81.

[0079] In Figure 30, KK is a line segment that cuts through the press-up portions 51g and 52g of the first and second side plates 51 and 52, and Figure 34 shows a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along line segment KK after assembling each part in Figure 30. In Figure 34, Figure 34(a) is 2nd, 3rd Figure 34(b) shows the open state of the mounting members 54 and 55. 2nd, 3rd The mounting members 54 and 55 are in the closed position.

[0080] As explained in the operation of the side plate swing mechanism 12 in the first embodiment, the first and second side plates 51 and 52 swing in conjunction with the opening rotation of the second and third mounting members 54 and 55. Then, the push-up parts 51g and 52g, which are position adjustment members provided on the first and second side plates 51 and 52, lift the push-up receiver 6k on the back surface of the center plate 6 in the lift-up direction of arrow 112. As shown in Figure 34(b), in conjunction with the closing operation of the second and third mounting members 54 and 55, the push-up receiver 6k of the center plate 6 separates from the push-up parts 51g and 52g, and the center plate 6 descends into the groove 7p of the base frame 7 (shown in Figure 29(a)) due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 111. As mentioned above in the first embodiment, the swing angle of the side plate swing mechanism 11 is set to be θ larger than the swing angle of the first and second mounting members, similar to Figure 22(b). To this end, the push-up receiver 6k moves sufficiently away from the push-up parts 51g and 52g in conjunction with the closing operation of the second and third mounting members 54 and 55, and the first and second side plates 51 and 52 can reliably release the center plate 6. With this vertical movement mechanism 11, sufficient storage space D for accommodating the flexible display sheet 4 can be secured when the first and second housings 1 and 2 are in the closed state. Here, the vertical movement mechanism 11 consists of push-up parts 51g and 52g, which are position adjustment members provided on the first and second side plates 51 and 52, a push-up receiver 6k provided on the center plate 6, a movable frame 61, a fixed frame 62, and a torsion spring 111, which is the first elastic member.

[0081] As described above, the vertical movement mechanism 11 in the present invention is realized using the first and second support arms 56 and 57 and the first and second side plates 51 and 52. However, it is also possible to provide only one of them, for example, the pressing parts 56n and 57n, and not the pressing parts 51g and 52g on the first and second side plates 51 and 52. Conversely, it is also possible to provide the pressing parts 51g and 52g on the first and second side plates 51 and 52, and not the pressing parts 56n and 57n on the first and second support arms 56 and 57.

[0082] As described above, the multi-axis hinge of the present invention DeviceIn this configuration, the vertical movement mechanism 11, the side plate swing mechanism 12, the rotation control mechanism 8, and the synchronous rotation mechanisms 9 and 9' made it possible to secure a sufficient housing section D to accommodate the flexible display sheet 4 of the curved section 41. Furthermore, the positioning members, the center plate engaging pieces 51a and 52a and the center plate engaging piece receiver 6f, made it possible to support the flexible display sheet 4 flat when the first and second housings 1 and 2 are opened. Furthermore, the synchronous rotation mechanisms 9, 9' and the suction mechanism 10 made it possible to improve the quality when opening and closing the first and second housings 1, 1.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vertical movement mechanism 11 and the side plate swing mechanism 12, etc. 2nd, 3rd Although they are provided on both mounting members 54 and 55, they may be provided on either one. Alternatively, the cam grooves and guide grooves provided for rotational operation, such as in the rotation control mechanism 8, may be changed to cam shafts, and the corresponding cam shafts and hinge shafts may be changed to cam grooves and guide grooves. [Industrial applicability]

[0084] As described above, the multi-axis hinge device of the present invention is configured to ensure sufficient space for housing the flexible display sheet when the first and second housings are closed, thereby preventing bending or failure of the flexible display sheet.

[0085] The present invention provides a multi-axis hinge device suitable for use in foldable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, smartphones, electronic organizers, PDAs, netbooks, video display devices, portable game consoles, and notebook computers, in which a flexible display sheet is stretched across a first housing and a second housing. The present invention is also suitable for use in foldable electronic devices using this multi-axis hinge device. The multi-axis hinge device according to the present invention is not limited to mobile phones, but can be widely used in foldable electronic devices, as described above, in which a first housing and a second housing, each having a flexible display sheet attached to its surface, are connected to each other in an openable and closable manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1. First cabinet 2. Second cabinet 3 Base cover 4 Flexible display sheet 6 Center Plate 7 Base frame 8. Rotation control mechanism 9 Synchronized rotation mechanism 10 Suction mechanism 11 Vertical movement mechanism 12 Side plate swing mechanism 51. First side plate 51a Center plate engaging piece (positioning member) 51g Pressing part (position adjustment member) 52. Second side plate 52g Pressing part (position adjustment member) 53 First mounting member 54 Second mounting member 54h Arc groove (rotation support part) 55 Third mounting member 55h Arc groove (rotation support part) 56. First support arm 56a Guide groove 56d Arc axis (rotation support part) 56n Pressing part (position adjustment member) 57. Second support arm 57a Guide groove 57d Arc axis (rotation support part) 57n Pressing part (position adjustment member) 61 Movable Frame 62 Fixed Frame 81. Arc Arm 81d Arc Arm 81e Arc Arm 81h Pressing part (position adjustment member) 91 First gear lever 91a Lever synchronous gear (transmission member) 91b Rotating cam 91d Pressing part (position adjustment member) 92. Second gear lever 92a Lever synchronous gear (transmission member) 92b Rotating Cam 92d Upper part (position adjustment member) 103 Fixed Cam 104 Sub-compression coil spring (second elastic member) 105 Main compression coil spring (second elastic component) 111 Torsion spring (first elastic member)

Claims

1. A multi-axis hinge device for opening and closing an electronic device having a flexible display sheet attached across both surfaces of a first housing and a second housing, wherein a pair of hinge shafts are connected to a base frame reaching each of the two opposing ends of the first housing and the second housing via a rotation control mechanism at a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction so as to be openable and closable, and a synchronous rotation mechanism and a suction mechanism are applied to each, and a center plate is provided between the predetermined distances so as to be vertically movable via a vertical movement mechanism, and this center plate is moved upward via the vertical movement mechanism in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the first housing and the second housing to make it flush with the surfaces of the first housing and the second housing in the fully open state, thereby maintaining the flexible display sheet in a horizontal state, and is lowered within the predetermined distance in the fully closed state so as to the opening and closing operation of the first housing and the second housing, thereby widening the housing portion that accommodates the curved portion formed in the flexible display sheet.

2. A multi-axis hinge device for opening and closing an electronic device having a flexible display sheet attached across both surfaces of a first housing and a second housing, characterized in that a pair of hinge shafts are connected to a base frame reaching each of the two opposing ends of the first housing and the second housing via a rotation control mechanism at a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction so as to be openable and closable, and a synchronous rotation mechanism and a suction mechanism are applied to each, and a center plate is provided between the predetermined distances so as to be vertically movable via a vertical movement mechanism, and a first side plate and a second side plate are provided on the front and rear sides of the center plate, respectively, having a length that reaches both ends of the center plate, and the first side plate and the second side plate are each swung via a side plate swing mechanism in conjunction with the closing operation of the first housing and the second housing so as to be further widened the housing portion that accommodates the curved portion formed in the flexible display sheet.

3. A multi-axis hinge device for opening and closing the first and second housings in an electronic device having a flexible display sheet attached across both surfaces of the first and second housings, wherein a pair of hinge shafts are connected to a base frame reaching each of the two opposing ends of the first and second housings via a rotation control mechanism at a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction so as to be able to open and close, and a synchronous rotation mechanism and a suction mechanism are applied to each, and a center plate is provided between the predetermined distances so as to be able to move up and down via a vertical movement mechanism, and this center plate is moved upward via the vertical movement mechanism in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the first and second housings, so as to the fully open state, the first housing and the second housing A multi-axis hinge device characterized in that the flexible display sheet is kept in a horizontal position by being made flush with the surfaces of each of the two housings, and in the fully closed state, it is lowered within the predetermined interval to accommodate the curved portion formed in the flexible display sheet, and a first side plate and a second side plate are provided on the front and rear sides of the center plate, respectively, having a length that reaches both ends of the center plate, and the first side plate and the second side plate are swung via a side plate swing mechanism in conjunction with the closing operation of the first housing and the second housing, so that the accommodating portion that accommodates the curved portion formed in the flexible display sheet is further widened.

4. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotation control mechanism comprises a pair of gear levers rotatably connected to the pair of hinge shafts, a mounting member whose free end is pivotally supported in a guide slot, and an arc arm attached to the mounting member and rotatably engaged with the base frame.

5. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical movement mechanism comprises a biasing member that biases the center plate in a direction that brings it relatively closer to the base frame, and a position adjustment member that moves the center plate upward in accordance with the opening operation of the first housing and the second housing.

6. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that the side plate swing mechanism has support arms attached to both ends of each side plate, arc grooves provided in each mounting member that slidably engage with arc axes provided on each support arm, and guide grooves that engage with pivot pins protruding from the base frame provided on each support arm.

7. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 6, characterized in that the side plate swing mechanism further has a center plate engaging piece that engages with the center plate for each of the side plates.

8. The multi-axis hinge device according to claim 5, characterized in that the biasing member in the vertical movement mechanism is a torsion spring with one end locked to the base frame side and the other end locked to the center plate side, and the position adjustment member is a push-up part that changes the position of the center plate in conjunction with the movement of the side plate.

9. An electronic device characterized by using a multi-axis hinge device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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